Who is ultimately responsible for the planning and execution of national security policy?

The President is ultimately responsible for the planning and execution of national security policy because the role of the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces gives them the authority to make critical decisions regarding national security. This position includes the responsibility to formulate and implement policies that protect the nation’s interests and maintain its safety. The President works closely with various advisors and departments, but decisions about national security issues, including military engagement and foreign relations, rest with them.

The President's role encompasses overseeing the entire executive branch, guiding foreign policy initiatives, and ensuring that national security strategies align with the broader objectives of the government. This responsibility is supported by constitutional authority and historical precedent, establishing the President as the key figure in shaping and responding to national security matters.