President Donald Trump has signed an executive order granting the White House increased control over independent federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This directive mandates that these agencies submit significant regulations to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, aligning their policies more closely with the president’s agenda.
The order also requires the appointment of a White House liaison within each agency and stipulates that their legal positions align with those of the president or the Attorney General. Notably, while the Federal Reserve’s authority over monetary policy remains exempt, other functions, such as bank regulation, may now fall under increased executive influence. Critics argue that this move undermines the autonomy traditionally granted to these agencies by Congress, potentially leading to increased politicization of regulatory decisions. Legal challenges are anticipated as the administration seeks to redefine the balance of power between the executive branch and independent regulatory bodies.
