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.
Highlights:
Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions
A public resource tracking all the legal challenges to the Trump administration's executive orders and actions.
Collection: Just Security’s Coverage of Trump Administration Executive Actions
Coverage of key developments, including in concise “What Just Happened” expert explainers, legal and policy analysis, and more. Check back frequently for updates.
DOGE’s Growing Reach into Personal Data: What it Means for Human Rights
Congress should update the Privacy Act to prevent DOGE from violating U.S. international rights obligations.
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.
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?"
3,291 Articles
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.
Is the New Global Order a Boon for International Taxation Collaboration?
The U.S. withdrawal from international forums may open possibilities for other cooperation. The tax reform agenda is a case in point.
International Law at the Precipice: Holding Leaders Accountable for the Crime of Aggression in Russia’s War Against Ukraine
The Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine cannot be treated as a bargaining chip in negotiations to end hostilities.
How March 31 Military Flight of Venezuelan Nationals to El Salvador Most Likely Violated Court Order
It may all come down to "acting in concert or participation with."
Justice Department Fails to Address Central Point in VOA Case
A federal judge halted the shutdown of VOA, citing violations of administrative law and congressional authority, not press freedom.
Deportation to CECOT: The Constitutional Prohibition on Punishment Without Charge or Trial
Sending migrants to El Salvador’s CECOT prison raises grave constitutional concerns under the Fifth and Sixth Amendments.
What Just Happened: The Trump Administration’s Reorganization of the State Department – and How We Got Here
The Trump administration’s proposed reorganization of the State Department is not just a reshuffle. It’s a realignment of diplomatic priorities that seems set to constrain…
In Turkey, Peace as Pretext: Erdoğan’s Kurdish Initiative and the Authoritarian Logic Behind Arresting His Main Opponent
The arrest of the Turkish president's main rival, Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu, sharpens the contradictions of the peace effort with the Kurds.
The Fox TV Problem with Deporting International Students
The SCOTUS decision in FCC v. Fox TV emphasized fair notice, a bedrock requirement of due process that could shield students from removal.
Doubts Concerning America’s Reliability Should Not Lead to a European Nuclear Deterrent
Stepping away from NATO would reduce U.S. leverage over European allies, potentially leading to more nuclear-armed states.
Birthright Citizenship and DOJ’s Misuse of History in Its Appellate Briefs
Although the DOJ's briefs in birthright citizen cases might initially seem well-supported, a close look reveals that it is grasping at straws.