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.
4,623 Articles
Norms Watch: Tracking the Erosion of Democratic Traditions (Feb. 10-17)
Editor’s Note: Welcome to the latest installment of Norms Watch, our series tracking both the flouting of democratic norms by the Trump administration and the erosion of…
The President and the Peril of Politicizing our Military
After his inauguration, President Donald Trump didn’t take long to boast of his purported political support from the military. In his speech to the CIA – given in front…
Congratulations and Tribute to Commander Michael J. Adams–from Current and Former Senior Government Attorneys
Mike Adams, who will be familiar to many Just Security readers for his writings, is also familiar to many for his distinguished career in the service of our nation. At a ripe young…
Trump Offers New Denials on Russia Contacts, Including: “Haven’t made a phone call to Russia in years”
In his 75-minute-long news conference Thursday, President Donald Trump responded to several direct questions about his and his associates’ connections with Russia during the…
There’s a Strong Case for a Special Prosecutor to Investigate Trump’s Russia Ties
What the U.S. Intelligence Community has concluded was a covert Russian operation targeting the U.S. presidential election to help President Trump win was an extraordinary assault…
The Draft Order on Multilateral Treaties and the Trump Administration’s Failure to Understand the Human Rights of National Security
On January 25, the New York Times reported on a leaked draft executive order (EO) draft to impose a moratorium on joining new multilateral treaties and establish a review committee…
Post-Flynn’s Resignation: New and Important Questions Raised
The resignation of National Security Adviser retired Lt. General Michael Flynn and the reporting surrounding his actions have raised new questions about the Trump administration’s…
Q&A: Could Michael Flynn Be Prosecuted Under the Logan Act?
The news from overnight that National Security Adviser Michael Flynn has resigned over his inappropriate pre-Inauguration dealings with Russia has also reinvigorated the debate…
‘Forever War’ Symposium Offers Timely Perspective on Trump’s Policies
The Columbia Human Rights Law Review, in collaboration with the Columbia Law School Human Rights Institute, recently published a symposium edition dedicated to the relationship…
The United Divided States: San Francisco Sues Donald Trump for Sanctuary Cities Order
Amidst the well-placed outrage over Trump’s Executive Order selectively banning immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries – including an array of critiques, lawsuits,…
Trump’s Muslim Ban & the Propaganda Value of Violence Against Women
There has been much well-deserved criticism of President Trump’s Executive Order imposing a Muslim Ban on entry into the United States and the chaotic and non-deliberative process…
Questions for Neil Gorsuch’s Confirmation Hearing
Here’s a list of questions I hope will be asked of Judge Neil Gorsuch, the President’s nominee to fill the vacant Supreme Court seat, at his Senate confirmation hearing. Most…