Presidential assistant is a person who performs special duties for the president of the United States. The most important assistants work directly for and with the president. Most assistants serve as part of the White House Office, a division of the Executive Office of the President (see President of the United States (The Executive Office of the President) ).
Presidential assistants aid in nearly every aspect of the president’s work. Some help formulate foreign policy. Others help design domestic programs. They provide information and suggestions that help the president make decisions. Others write speeches and develop legislation to propose to Congress. The press secretary handles relations with the media. Assistants recommend appointments to certain government positions. They also help decide which individuals or groups should meet personally with the president.
The modern system of presidential assistants began with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the late 1930’s. The president’s responsibilities have grown since then, and so have the number and power of presidential aides. Some critics believe powerful assistants reduce the authority of Cabinet officials. Other observers argue that many issues are broader than the responsibilities of any Cabinet official or executive department, and so the president needs strong aides to help decide them.
Presidents sometimes claim executive privilege for their assistants. This doctrine protects assistants from having to testify before Congress, unlike Cabinet officials, who are required to do so. However, it does not necessarily protect assistants from having to testify in criminal investigations. Critics of the executive privilege doctrine hold that it disturbs the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches by denying Congress information it needs to do its job. Defenders argue that assistants must have such privacy to serve as confidential advisers to the president.
