A Justice Department legal opinion has concluded that President Donald Trump’s private advisers and lawyers may invoke executive privilege when discussing matters connected to their advisory roles. The ruling could complicate Democratic efforts to compel testimony from Trump allies, limiting congressional scrutiny of the president’s decision-making and communications.

The opinion was issued by the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel, which provides authoritative legal advice within the executive branch. It extends protection beyond formal government officials to certain private advisers, provided their conversations relate to official presidential responsibilities; Democrats are likely to challenge the scope of that protection.