executive privilege

noun

1. the discretionary right claimed by certain U.S. presidents to withhold information from Congress or the judiciary.

Word History and Origins

Origin of executive privilege¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

“Especially since neither Walz nor Vance have had federal executive privilege.”

From Los Angeles Times

As the appeals court well knows, Cannon has made several curious rulings that have strongly suggested a bias in favor of Trump, including a previously-overturned decision to appoint a “special master” to review whether the former president could claim executive privilege over documents, including classified military plans, that he took from the White House.

From Salon

The president’s claim of executive privilege for his White House tapes, justices said, “cannot prevail over the fundamental demands of ... the fair administration of criminal justice.”

From Los Angeles Times

In 1974, Philip Lacovara, as counsel to the special prosecutor, urged the Supreme Court to reject Nixon’s claim of executive privilege with a “definitive” ruling.

From Los Angeles Times

Garland did provide other materials the House sought, including a transcript of the interview, but Biden asserted executive privilege over the audio.

From Los Angeles Times