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
What Just Happened: Sanctuary Policies and the DOJ Memo’s Empty Threat of Criminal Liability
A leading expert analyzes the Justice Department threat to prosecute state and local officials in sanctuary cities.
The Legal Problem with Trump’s WHO Order: The US Cannot Withdraw Until It Pays Its Dues
US and international law haven't changed since the last time Trump tried mandating withdrawal and nonpayment during his first term.
What Just Happened: What Trump’s Hobbling of the Privacy Oversight Board Portends for Exercise of Surveillance Powers
A “small” story about the removal of the three Democrats on the Private and Civil Liberties Board (PCLOB) is ominous.
The Just Security Podcast: What Just Happened Series, Trump’s Immigration Executive Orders
This "What Just Happened?" episode focuses on President Trump’s Executive Orders and other policies regarding immigration and the border.
What Just Happened: Trump’s Announcement of the Stargate AI Infrastructure Project
An expert explainer on President Donald Trump's announcement of the Stargate AI infrastructure investment project.
What Just Happened: Trump’s January 6 Pardons and Assaults on Law Enforcement Officers By The Numbers
Trump pardoned nearly all the Jan. 6 defendants – including violent offenders. Several hundred of the pardoned defendants were charged with assaulting or obstructing law enforcement…
A Start for AI Transparency at DHS with Room to Grow
An assessment of the achievements and areas for improvement in the DHS's most recent AI use case inventory.
What Just Happened: Unpacking Exec Order on National Emergency at the Southern Border
An expert explainer on the Executive Order Declaring National Emergency Southern Border and deployment of troops.
What Just Happened: With ICC Sanctions
The effects of President Donald Trump's revocation of Biden's E.O. terminating sanctions against the ICC, and what comes next.
A Free Speech View on the “Free Speech” Executive Order
There’s a version of this executive order that might have given free-speech advocates hope that the incoming administration would investigate “jawboning”—government pressure…
What Just Happened: Withdrawing from Paris and other International Environmental Agreement Actions
President Donald Trump’s day one E.O. titled "Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements" combines provisions that are straightforward, inconsistent with…
President Trump’s Attempt to “Save” TikTok is a Power-Grab that Subverts Free Speech
"I remain convinced that the statute authorizing the ban is an ill-advised and unconstitutional law that does lasting damage to the First Amendment rights of millions of Americans…