Executive Privilege Definition

The principle that members of the executive branch of government cannot legally be forced to disclose their confidential communications when such disclosure would adversely affect the operations or procedures of the executive branch.

The right of a President to withhold from the legislature or judiciary certain important information relating to the activities of the executive.

A legal privilege, exempting the president of the United States and other members of the executive branch from being compelled to disclose information to the public about matters of foreign policy or of national security.