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.

× Clear Filters
4,625 Articles
Biometric eye scan and network

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.
U.S. President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders at his desk.

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.
Pedestrian commuters wait to enter the United States in line at a metal revolving gate.

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.
Department of Justice building against twilgiht sky

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.
Men wearing military uniforms sit at a table.

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.
Top shot of the Eastern District of New York courthouse, Manhattan, NY

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…
Two men embrace near collapsed buildings

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.
The photo shows two women, one on the left wearing a blue mesh hair covering and the one on the right a pale pink, broad-brimmed hat, apparently sorting a green vegetable over a crate in a small, white-painted room with narrow shelves on the wall behind them.

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.
A sign with a dark blue background and white letters that reads "International Criminal Court" is seen with the building in the background.

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.
US Department of State building with sign in front

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…
Oil field with rigs and pumps at sunset. World Oil Industry

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.
1-12 of 4,625 items

DON'T MISS A THING. Stay up to date with Just Security curated newsletters: