Executive Branch
Just Security’s expert authors provide analysis of the U.S. executive branch related to national security, rights, and the rule of law. Analysis and informational resources focus on the executive branch’s powers and their limits, and the actions of the president, administrative agencies, and federal officials.
4,594 Articles
Trump’s Endgame for the War in Ukraine
An exploration of how bargains between Trump and Putin may play out in negotiations to end Russia's war, and the consequences for the vital interests of Ukraine.
Can the President Dismantle the Department of Education by Executive Order?
An Executive Order that purports to dismantle the Department of Education or any of its key functions is sure to be challenged in court but would still create disruptions and other…
The Disastrous Costs of the Foreign Aid Freeze on US Interests in the Middle East and North Africa
The Trump administration's dismantling of USAID poses significant threats to security in the Middle East and North Africa.
What Just Happened: Purges at the DOJ and FBI — How Do and Don’t the Civil Service Laws Apply
Expert Backgrounder on how civil service laws do or do not protect DOJ and FBI officials from retaliation.
Freezing Support to Democracy and Human Rights Activists Undermines US Interests
Ending aid for democracy and human rights struggles inflicts long-term harm on American security and prosperity.
President Trump Is Ignoring the Impoundment Control Act, Welcoming a Fight in the Courts
The Impoundment Control Act makes clear that the president does not have the authority to unilaterally impound billions in federal funds.
Supporting Freedom and a Foreign Aid Freeze are Incompatible — But Perhaps the Point? A Case Study
The Trump administration’s action undermines bipartisan efforts to support freedom fighters and enables corrupt autocrats.
As Sexual Violence Surges in Goma, DR Congo, US Aid Remains Crucial
Foreign aid freezes imposed by the Trump administration endanger critical humanitarian programs in the DRC and threaten global healthcare.
The Need for Course Correction: The Risks of Treating Drug Cartels as Terrorist Threats
While the executive order is intended to enhance national security, it raises significant concerns.
Trump’s Ukraine Deal Requires Foreign Aid
As the administration crafts a plan to help Ukraine get Russia to the negotiating table, it must restore vital non-military assistance, too.
“The Trump Administration’s Attacks on International Law and Institutions”: Public Statement of American Human Rights Experts, Current and Former Members of UN Bodies
Since the 20th of January, we have watched with increasing alarm as the administration of U.S. President Donald J. Trump has sought to repudiate the commitments of the United States…
Restarting US LNG Permitting Brings Geopolitical Benefits and the Potential for Climate Progress
The end of the US LNG permitting pause provides an opportunity to accelerate promising trends in geopolitics, energy security, and environmental progress.