White House
41 Articles
New Year Thoughts on the Role of Chief of Staff and Trump White House Dysfunction
The White House chief of staff position is again in transition. It is the top staff job in government — a momentous position that merits a broad look at its roles and responsibilities.…
U.S. House Investigations v. White House Slow-Walk: Scenarios
Democrats in the U.S. House are preparing to wield their new majority power in January. While they lack the control of both chambers necessary to push through legislation, they…
What Would National Security Oversight Look Like in a Democratic House?
If Democrats assume control of the House of Representatives after the midterms, there's likely to be a torrent of oversight activity. Andy Wright, a former staff director and counsel…
Taking Stock of the FBI’s Role in Senate Confirmations after Kavanaugh
I previously wrote that at least some of Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation challenges are symptomatic of the White House’s general disdain of the vetting process. That may seem…
A Rush to Confirm Judge Kavanaugh at the Expense of Senate Interests
The Senate is now considering President Donald Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy on the Supreme Court. Whoever replaces Justice Kennedy,…
The Trials of White House Counsel Don McGahn
Over the weekend, Michael Schmidt and Maggie Haberman published a remarkable story in the New York Times chronicling White House Counsel Donald F. McGahn’s substantial cooperation…
Exclusive: Trump White House’s Intelligence Chief Is Leaving
Michael Barry is the latest staffer on the powerful council to depart as National Security Adviser John Bolton brings on his own team.
Are We Down to One Branch of Government?
The Republican-led Congress has essentially abdicated its role. The Supreme Court — with its travel ban decision and especially now with Justice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement…
Mixing Politics with Business: A Master List of Trump’s Conflicts of Interest
Remember that giant pile of manila folders? They were stacked high at Donald Trump’s press conference on Jan. 11. While no one was allowed to take a closer look at them, the…
National Security Legal Advice in the New Administration
As the incoming Trump team grapples with the first days of its transition, it should not forget that the most urgent question regarding foreign affairs and national security law…
Anticipating Trump: Should Government Lawyers Stay or Go?
[Editors’ note: This post is the latest in Just Security’s series on the ethical and legal dilemmas of serving in the Trump administration. On Friday, Jon Michaels wrote…
Atrocities Prevention Experts Report Released with Concrete Recommendations for the Next Administration
I have been honored to serve on a bipartisan Experts Committee on Preventing Mass Violence—convened by a coalition of human rights, religious, humanitarian, and peace organizations—for…