A U.S. citizen does not possess agency on behalf of the United States government unless expressly appointed by statute, contract, or lawful delegation. Mere citizenship does not establish authority to act for or represent the federal government in any legal or commercial capacity. In reality, the U.S. citizen is the governed and regulated party—operating under federal jurisdiction, not within it. Only properly delegated agents—such as public officers, attorneys, or fiduciaries acting under written authority—may speak or act on behalf of the United States. Recognizing this separation is essential in all matters involving legal standing, jurisdiction, and commercial equity.
Properly asserting legal capacity in court is not just procedural—it’s foundational. When representing a trust or estate, many plaintiffs unintentionally undermine their own cases by blending fiduciary roles with personal appearances such as “pro per” or “in propria persona.” This confusion often leads to dismissal—not because courts prohibit fiduciaries, but because the capacity is improperly stated. Courts cannot lawfully prevent a duly authorized fiduciary (such as an Executor, Trustee, or Attorney-in-Fact) from asserting rights on behalf of a trust or estate. However, when fiduciaries use personal language or appear to be representing a separate legal entity as themselves, courts may treat the filing as unauthorized practice of law. This article clarifies which capacities are lawful, which combinations to avoid, and how to protect your standing by appearing strictly in a private fiduciary role. In law, it’s not only what you say—but how you say it—that defines whether you are recognized with authority.