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.
4,597 Articles

The Crisis in Uniform: The Danger of Presidential Immunity for the U.S. Military
Military personnel are increasingly alert to the prospect that they may be asked to prioritize loyalty to an individual over their legal rights and responsibilities.

The Trump Administration’s Use of State Power Against Media: Keeping Track of the Big Picture
Tracking the use of State power requires systematically identifying linkages between individual developments and broader trends. This graphic offers one method.

What the Senate Judiciary Committee Should Ask A.G. Bondi on Drug Cartel Strikes
Annotated questions Congress should be asking about U.S. military strikes on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean.

Legal Flaws in the Trump Administration’s Notice to Congress on “Armed Conflict” with Drug Cartels
The Trump administration’s “armed conflict” justification, however, is groundless.

Collection: U.S. Lethal Strikes on Suspected Drug Traffickers
Collection of expert analysis on the legality of the U.S. strike on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean, the consequences of the strike, and related issues.

AI’s Hidden National Security Cost
Generative AI is being integrated across the federal workplace, but efficiency gains risk weakening national security professionals’ critical thinking and judgment.

Taking Stock of the Birthright Citizenship Cases, Part IV: DOJ’s Ineffective Responses to Plaintiffs’ Statutory Argument
Analysis of birthright citizenship statutory arguments now before the Supreme Court.

FAQ for Senior Military Officers at Hegseth’s Quantico Meeting
Military justice expert Eugene Fidell answers crucial questions ahead of next week's senior military meeting with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Repression as Rescue: The Authoritarian Logic of Trump’s Early Executive Orders
The rhetorical threats Trump employed during his campaign are directly echoed in the titles and content of his second-term EOs.

Collection: Just Security’s Coverage of Trump Administration Executive Actions
Coverage of key developments, including in concise “What Just Happened” expert explainers, legal and policy analysis, and more. Check back frequently for updates.

US Servicemembers’ Exposure to Criminal Liability for Lethal Strikes on Narcoterrorists
Analysis by former career judge advocate officer and former court-martial prosecutor.

Private Prison Companies’ Enormous Windfall: Who Stands to Gain as ICE Expands
With unparalleled funding for ICE, corporations supporting the growth of detention infrastructure will continue to see soaring profits.