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Justice Department Legal Opinion States Executive Privilege Extends to Outside Advisers
Just the facts
The legal opinion published by the Office of Legal Counsel concludes that executive privilege applies to communications between the president and private advisers if the discussions involve official presidential decision-making and remain confidential. Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser wrote in the document that presidential confidentiality needs extend to external advisers possessing unique insight or experience. Executive privilege traditionally protects internal communications among executive branch officials and White House staff from legislative or judicial disclosure. The non-binding opinion was issued to the White House ahead of upcoming congressional midterm elections.
Why this is news
The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel issued a 21-page legal opinion stating that executive privilege can be extended to private, non-government advisers to President Donald Trump. Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser authored the opinion addressed to the White House.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.