19.2.3 Executive Office of the President: NSC, OMB, and WHO

Executive Office of the President (EXOP)

The Executive Office of the President (EXOP), also known as the Executive Office of the President (EOP), is a key component of the U.S. federal government. It consists of the President's immediate staff and support staff, who provide expert advice and assist in the administration and implementation of the President's agenda. The EXOP includes several critical offices, each with specific responsibilities, including the National Security Council (NSC), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the White House Office (WHO).

Role of the President in EXOP

• Head of Government and the Executive Branch: The President is the head of government and is responsible for the executive branch. The EXOP plays a vital role in supporting the President in this capacity. The staff within the EXOP are experts who advise the President on a range of issues, ensuring that the President is well-informed and able to make decisions effectively.

National Security Council (NSC)

• Formation and Purpose: The National Security Council was formed under President Harry Truman in 1947. It is the primary body the President uses for the formation of policies related to national security and foreign policy. The NSC's composition includes the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, National Security Advisor, military advisors, and intelligence advisors.
• Significance: The NSC has played a crucial role in significant policy decisions, such as reversing President Trump's policies by rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and renewing participation in the World Health Organization. The NSC also coordinated the removal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021, highlighting its influence on major foreign policy and national security decisions.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

• Responsibilities: The OMB is the largest department within the EXOP and is responsible for producing the federal budget. It oversees the financial aspects of implementing the President's agenda, assesses the effectiveness of government programs, and ensures that executive agencies align with the administration's policies. The Director of the OMB must be confirmed by a Senate vote, emphasizing the office's importance.
• Examples:

• Biden Administration: The OMB has been instrumental in formulating budgets aimed at addressing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the American Rescue Plan. This demonstrates the OMB's critical role in shaping economic policy and supporting the President's broader agenda.

White House Office (WHO)

• Role and Responsibilities: The White House Office is a department within the EXOP and is headed by the White House Chief of Staff. It oversees policy, political matters, and works to protect the President's interests. The WHO is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the White House and ensures that the President's directives are implemented across the executive branch. Unlike other positions within the EXOP, roles in the WHO do not require Senate confirmation, allowing the President greater flexibility in staffing.
• Examples:

Comparison with the UK

• UK EXOP (Special Advisers - SPADs): In the UK, the Prime Minister has a similar structure with special advisers (SPADs), who are the most senior advisers to the Prime Minister, including the Chief of Staff. For example, Dominic Cummings was a key adviser to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, illustrating the importance of such roles in both the UK and the US political systems.