Trump’s Executive Order Aims To Increase Independent Agency Oversight

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order expanding White House authority over independent federal agencies, sparking debate on constitutional powers and government accountability.

Quick Takes

Trump’s executive order brings independent agencies under White House oversight.
The move aims to ensure accountability to the American people.
Critics argue it may shield corporations from scrutiny.
The order affects major regulators like the SEC, FTC, and Federal Reserve.
Constitutional debate arises over the extent of executive power.

Executive Order Expands Presidential Authority

President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order that significantly expands the supervisory role of the White House over independent federal agencies. This move, part of Trump’s effort to restore constitutional governance, requires all agencies, including those previously operating independently, to submit draft regulations for White House review. The order emphasizes that Article II of the Constitution vests all executive power in the President, making all executive branch officials and employees subject to his supervision.

Under the new directive, agencies must consult with the White House on their priorities and strategic plans, with the White House setting their performance standards. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will adjust independent agencies’ apportionments to ensure efficient use of tax dollars. This move affects major regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Federal Reserve, although the latter’s monetary policy functions are exempt.

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Accountability and Constitutional Governance

The Trump administration argues that this executive order aligns with constitutional requirements and reinforces the principle that the government should be accountable to the people. It allows voters and the President to hold all Federal agencies accountable for their decisions. The order also stipulates that the President and the Attorney General will interpret the law for the executive branch, preventing separate agencies from adopting conflicting interpretations.

Supporters of the move argue that it brings necessary oversight to agencies that have previously operated without Presidential supervision, issuing costly rules and spending tax dollars independently. The initiative aims to prevent these agencies from imposing rules without accountability, aligning with Trump’s campaign promises to make independent agencies answerable to the president.

Still, some experts have reportedly indicated the move goes against common understandings of the Constitution today. Robert Weissman, co-president of the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, argued that the executive order may aim to shield major corporations from scrutiny by independent agencies.

The executive order is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape the U.S. government. This includes challenging Congress’s “power of the purse” and refusing to spend funds allocated by Congress, which some argue defies the Impoundment Act of 1974. The courts, rather than Congress, have been the main source of pushback against these actions.

Constitutional Debate and Future Implications

This executive order has reignited debates about the extent of executive power and the balance between government accountability and the independence of regulatory agencies. As this executive order takes effect, its impact on the functioning of independent agencies and their ability to carry out their regulatory duties will be closely watched. The move may face legal challenges, and its long-term implications for the structure of the U.S. government and the balance of powers remain to be seen.