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Justice Department Expands Executive Privilege for Trump Advisers

8/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Justice Department opinion expands executive privilege to all advisers, including non-government contacts, for President Donald Trump.
Scholars say the opinion is meant to block Democratic congressional corruption probes if Democrats win the House in November 2026.
University of Baltimore professor Charles Tiefer called it “a slice of Swiss cheese” with many holes.
Experts warn the broad privilege could let witnesses refuse testimony, shielding Trump’s friends.

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Story summary

Justice Department opinion expands executive privilege to all advisers, including non-government contacts, for President Donald Trump.
Scholars say the opinion is meant to block Democratic congressional corruption probes if Democrats win the House in November 2026.
University of Baltimore professor Charles Tiefer called it “a slice of Swiss cheese” with many holes.
Experts warn the broad privilege could let witnesses refuse testimony, shielding Trump’s friends.