executive privilege

noun

: exemption from legally enforced disclosure of communications within the executive branch of government when such disclosure would adversely affect the functions and decision-making processes of the executive branch

Examples of executive privilege in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In his appeal, Navarro argued that he was protected from the subpoenas by executive privilege, so his conviction was improper. — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 21 July 2026

The Supreme Court rejected the administration’s claims of executive privilege and presidential immunity. — Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2026

The executive branch has often resisted Congressional subpoenas, claiming executive privilege or arguing that the subpoenas lack a legitimate legislative purpose. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026

The law allows a President to exclude personal records, sets out timetables for releasing documents once the President has left office, and provides a mechanism for asserting executive privilege to keep certain material secret. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

executive privilege

see also:

privilege sense 1b