President Donald Trump signed an executive order to enhance White House control over independent regulatory agencies, leading to potential legal challenges.
The big picture: The order, named “Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies,” mandates independent agencies like the SEC, FTC, and FCC to submit proposed regulations for White House review.
- The Office of Management and Budget head, Russ Vought, will oversee agency spending alignment with the president’s priorities.
- The order suggests that current regulatory agencies lack sufficient accountability to the President and American people due to their substantial executive authority.
What we’re watching: Legal battles are expected since Congress established independence for agencies affected by the order from White House influence.
Go deeper: Trump has made controversial moves to consolidate executive power, including firing inspectors general overseeing government agencies and ousting previous administration’s appointees.
- A case seeking the Supreme Court’s approval for firing the head of a federal whistleblower protection office hints at Trump’s expansion of executive authority.
- The order marks another effort by Trump to eliminate what his advisors perceive as unelected bureaucrats hindering his agenda.
