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
The Justice Department is invoking executive privilege in an attempt to block its former pardon attorney, Liz Oyer, from testifying before Congress about the circumstances of her firing.
—
John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
The appeals court also has previously reversed Cannon’s rulings, including one appointing a special master to review the documents collected from Trump’s home for materials potentially protected by executive privilege, blocking their release to investigators.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025
Ahead of Monday's hearing, the Justice Department warned Oyer that discussing internal deliberations—particularly regarding pardons and gun rights—could violate executive privilege, which shields certain presidential communications from disclosure.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Because the administration has suggested DOGE is a presidential advisory group, which could claim executive privilege.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for executive privilege
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
The appeals court also has previously reversed Cannon’s rulings, including one appointing a special master to review the documents collected from Trump’s home for materials potentially protected by executive privilege, blocking their release to investigators.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025
Ahead of Monday's hearing, the Justice Department warned Oyer that discussing internal deliberations—particularly regarding pardons and gun rights—could violate executive privilege, which shields certain presidential communications from disclosure.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Because the administration has suggested DOGE is a presidential advisory group, which could claim executive privilege.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for executive privilege
Cite this Entry
“Executive privilege.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20privilege. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share