Trump's Executive Order Expands Presidential Control Over Independent Agencies
President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, aimed at bringing independent federal agencies under White House control. The order, which represents a significant expansion of presidential power, is expected to face legal challenges and test the controversial “unitary executive theory.” This theory asserts that the president has sole authority over the executive branch, including agencies traditionally designed to operate independently, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The order grants Russ Vought, Trump’s budget chief, supervisory authority over these agencies, requiring him to establish performance standards, review budgets, and report directly to the president. Critics argue that the move undermines the independence of these agencies, which were established by Congress to operate semi-autonomously to avoid political interference. Legal scholars have long questioned the legality of the unitary executive theory, and the order is likely to spark court battles.
The Trump administration has already taken steps to assert control over independent agencies, including firing key officials such as Gwynne Wilcox, former chair of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and halting funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The order also mandates that independent agencies appoint White House liaisons and coordinate policies with the White House Domestic Policy Council and National Economic Council.
While the order does not apply to the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, it does affect the Fed’s oversight of banks and financial institutions. The move has raised concerns about the potential politicization of agencies tasked with regulating industries and enforcing laws without presidential influence. Critics warn that the order could erode public trust in these institutions and lead to increased partisanship in their operations.
This executive order marks a significant shift in the balance of power within the federal government and sets the stage for a contentious legal and political debate over the limits of presidential authority.
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