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.
3,302 Articles
The Dirty Deal with El Salvador
What’s known about the agreement between the United States and El Salvador when it comes to CECOT prison, and why sworn testimony may be needed to fill in the gaps.
The U.S.-Ukraine Agreement: Legality and Transparency
The recently announced mineral deal is likely a lawful “sole executive agreement” that the president need not submit to Congress, but subsequent implementing agreements are…
The Just Security Podcast: Keeping Track of the Big Picture–Challenges to Press Freedom and Beyond
A discussion with Rebecca Hamilton about the use of State power and how to identify linkages between individual developments and broader trends in press freedom and beyond.
The Trump Administration’s Use of State Power: Keeping Track of the Big Picture
Tracking the use of State power requires systematically identifying linkages between individual developments and broader trends. This graphic offers one method.
Creating the Conditions for a Nuclear Deal with Iran
The Trump administration should focus on messaging pragmatic objectives for a deal and de-emphasizing U.S. efforts to exert “maximum pressure” on Iran while talks are ongoing.
The Supreme Court’s Next 100 Days: Understanding the Passive-Aggressive Virtues (and Vices)
The Supreme Court's pushback during the first 100 days of the Trump administration is striking. What to look for in the next 100.
How to Land the Emerging Deal on Peace for Ukraine
Negotiations to achieve some kind of end to Russia’s war on Ukraine have reached an intensive phase. Moments of truth lie immediately ahead.
Secretary of State Rubio’s Reorganization Plan Could Offer a Chance to Rescue U.S. Foreign Assistance — If He’s Smart About It
After months demolishing foreign aid, the Trump administration could still regroup for something worthy of America’s values and interests.
The New “National Defense Area” at the Southern Border: What You Need to Know
NSPM-4 creates a military area that is twice the size of Washington, D.C. and expands the military’s role in stopping cross-border migration.
El Salvador’s Authoritarian Slide Should Hold Lessons – Not Examples – for the U.S.
In fighting rampant gang violence, President Bukele has turned El Salvador into even more of a lawless, opaque State.
Beyond Data Rescue: Building Structural Safeguards for Federal Data Preservation
Disappearance of vital resources from government websites exposes a fragile ecosystem in which accountability mechanisms have broken down.
No, the President Cannot Enforce the Law-Firm Deals
"First, are these agreements legally enforceable? Second, if not, what principled reasons do the firms have for keeping their part of these bargains?"