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.

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4,594 Articles
Photo shows Guzman in the center looking to the right, his hands apparently handcuffed behind him, flanked by a member of the military in fatigues and helmet to the right and another in a dark uniform and helmet to the left.

The Dangerous Sweep of Trump’s Plan to Designate Cartels as Terrorist Organizations

Bringing foreign cartels under the umbrella of terrorism may seem appealing, but it is unnecessary and dangerous.
President Donald J Trump speaks with reporters and signs executive orders in the Oval Office

What Happens After the Most Powerful Media Institutions Keep Surrendering to Trump

U.S. media institutions are abandoning their own First Amendment rights by settling lawsuits with Trump, writes Jaffer for the New York Times.
Members of the Proud Boys wearing orange hats stand in front of the U.S. capital.

Nine Experts on the Impact of President Trump’s Pardons and Commutations for January 6 Offenders

We asked nine experts about what clemencies might herald for the future of the rule of law, political violence, and extremism.
Collage of Bondi (L) and Patel (R)

From Pardons to Purges: Pressing Questions that Bondi and Patel Must Answer Now

McCord weighs in on the nominations for attorney general and FBI director.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 15: The front of the U.S. Agency of International Development (USAID) headquarters building is seen on September 15, 2014, in Washington, DC. (Photo by J. David Ake/Getty Images)

Can the President Dissolve USAID by Executive Order?

Dissolution of USAID or formal transfer of its functions provided by Congress would require legislation - the president may not unilaterally override a statute by executive order.  
Stacks of case files in white boxes,

Federal Employee Rights: What Probationary Employees Need to Know

With so much uncertainty facing federal employees, many on probation want to know what their rights are—especially when it comes to actions against their employment like removing…
The U.S. flag is shown on a U.S. Army soldier's uniform.

Some Reforms to Consider as the Uniform Code of Military Justice Turns 75 This Spring

The UCMJ's 75-year mark is an auspicious time to consider reforms that would dramatically alter the system President Truman signed into law.
Demonstrators rally outside the U.S. Capitol

Trump’s Executive Order on Foreign Terrorists: Implications for the Rights of Non-Citizens

Trump's efforts to revive some version of the Muslim travel ban will harm people within the United States and chill protests.
The photo shows an older woman in a head scarf at the right of the photo in the foreground, against the backdrop of a wrecked interior of a home.

What Just Happened: Trump’s Termination of West Bank Settler Sanctions

The reversal of Biden measures against Israeli settlers leaves few tools in the event an escalation threatens further conflict in the region.
The Department of Justice

The Real Reason Trump’s Purge of Career DOJ Officials Should Alarm You

Senate Judiciary Committee and Department of Justice alum maps out the threat posed to 2028 election by President Trump's personnel moves inside the Department of Justice.

No Claim to Fame: Kash Patel and False or Misleading Statements About the 2016 Russia Investigation

Below is a Table that provides important statements made by Kash Patel about the Justice Department’s investigation of Russia’s interference in the 2016 election – and compares…
Deferred Resignation email from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Beware the “Deferred Resignation” Offer: A Legally Dubious Proposal for Federal Employees

The deferred resignation proposal sent to federal workers is fraught with practical and legal issues that present uncertainty for employees.
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