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.
4,625 Articles

Expand, Don’t Dismantle, America’s Privacy Watchdog
Strengthening independent oversight of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board would provide crucial accountability and transparency.

Trump’s Dictatorial Theory of Presidential Power – What the Executive Orders, in the Aggregate, Tell Us
Trump's recent executive actions appear to assert an authority to override or ignore federal legislation whenever it interferes with his policy aims.

What Just Happened: The “Invasion” Executive Order and Its Dangerous Implications
Trump's "invasion" EO could dangerously expand federal and state powers, enabling detention without trial and unauthorized war.

Why Has the Trump Justice Department Not Moved to Dismiss the Case Against Trump’s Co-Defendants in the FLA Classified Documents Case?
The Justice of Department's inaction appears to protect both Trump's reputation and Kash Patel's nomination to head the FBI.

Stopped Security Assistance: From Counter-Narcotics to Combating Human Trafficking Programs
The Trump administration's "stop work" order on U.S. foreign assistance may hurt its foreign policy goals and national security priorities.

Court Says Warrant Needed for U.S. Person Queries of FISA Section 702 Data
Judge Hall’s Hasbajrami decision marks the first time a court has ruled that U.S. person queries of FISA Section 702 data must be performed pursuant to a warrant or an exception…

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Temporary Reprieve or Sustainable Peace?
The implementation of the second stage of the agreement, or even just continued calm, likely depends on whether President Donald Trump is prepared to intervene to keep the peace.

The Colombian Model of Success: Civil Society and Excess Force by Anti-Riot Squads and Police Units
To counter impunity, civil society and survivors of police brutality are organizing against abuses such as eye mutilation.

Stop-Work Order on US Foreign Aid Puts China First and America Last
President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio's 90-day halt endangers health, economic and other programs, leaving gaps for China to fill.

Taliban Charges Show US Dilemma, Double Standards in Opposing International Criminal Court
The ICC’s mandate to pursue accountability for grave crimes applies regardless of whether alleged perpetrators are U.S. allies or adversaries.

Deprofessionalizing the State Department Is a Threat to National Security
One reason for the continuation of senior staff across administrations is because it takes time to build the human capital required, and an experienced diplomatic corps is an essential…

What Just Happened: Trump’s Executive Actions on Environment and Implications for US Climate Security
New executive orders create U.S. and global security risks in the face of climate change, which the Trump administration and Congress would be wise to mitigate.