DOJ Memo Extends Privilege to Private Advisers
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- Justice Department memo argues the president can assert executive privilege over communications with "private advisors" outside of government, extending the doctrine beyond White House staff
- The interpretation would broaden the number of individuals President Trump could try to shield from compelled disclosure
- The memo represents an OLC (Office of Legal Counsel) opinion formalizing this expanded view of presidential communications protections
Why it matters: The opinion redraws the line between private advisers and government officials for privilege purposes. If private lawyers, consultants, and outside allies now qualify, Congress's ability to compel testimony and documents from the president's broader inner circle narrows — reshaping oversight battles involving Trump's outside legal team and informal advisers.
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