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.
4,599 Articles
National Security Implications of Trump’s Indictment: A Damage Assessment
The former president's retention of highly classified intelligence has potentially grave implications for U.S. national security.
Four Takeaways From the Department of Justice Audit on Countering Domestic Terrorism
The Office of the Inspector General advises a department-wide strategy to bring together separate efforts from across all sections.
Expert Backgrounder: Secret Evidence in Public Trials
How, in prosecutions for mishandling classified documents, the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA) is designed to protect both U.S. national security secrets and defendants'…
Two Experts Debate the Path Forward on Sudan
EJ Hogendoorn and John Prendergast are two leading experts on the conflict in Sudan, but they have different views on the way forward. The dialogue below highlights their ideas…
Model Prosecution Memo for Trump Classified Documents
"The authors have decades of experience as federal prosecutors and defense lawyers, as well as other legal expertise. Based upon this experience and the analysis that follows,…
Dispelling Myths: How Classification and Declassification Actually Work
Must the president follow any specific procedures when declassifying government information? The answer is a resounding no.
The Just Security Podcast: The Classification Process Declassified
To help us understand how the presidential classification and declassification process works in practice, we have Brian Greer and Wendy Leben.
It’s Time to Fix Congress’ Classification Infrastructure
As Congress works to reassert its authority over United States war making, it should improve its infrastructure and policies for handling sensitive information.
Treasury is Taking a More Proactive Approach to Bank De-risking
Following years of passivity, Treasury’s 2023 De-risking Strategy takes a turn in the right direction.
Expert Backgrounder: Title I of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act vs. Section 702
A quick-reference guide to understanding the legal debate about electronic national security surveillance (and how to spot imposters trying to muddy the waters)
Stewart Rhodes Should Get No Leniency For Leading Anti-Government Paramilitary Group
The Oath Keepers' record of taking up arms against the government shows why Stewart Rhodes' request for leniency in sentencing should be roundly rejected.
Death by Drones: Does the Pentagon Always Know Who it is Killing?
As U.S. officials grapple with the fallout from the latest drone strike, Congress and senior administration officials should demand answers.