Executive privilege in U.S. politics refers to the right of the President and other high-level executive officials to withhold information from Congress or the courts. This privilege is rooted in the separation of powers and aims to protect sensitive national security matters, diplomatic communications, and internal deliberations from disclosure. While executive privilege is constitutionally recognized, its usage can be controversial and subject to debate regarding limits and accountability. The balance between the need for transparency and the preservation of effective governance often complicates congressional oversight, especially during investigations or political disputes.