Trump Signs Executive Order to Expand Presidential Control Over Independent Agencies

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In a significant move, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on February 19, 2025, aiming to enhance presidential oversight of independent agencies, including the Federal Election Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. According to the order, this action is presented as a means to boost accountability and improve federal law execution. Trump stated, “For the Federal Government to be truly accountable to the American people, officials who wield vast executive power must be supervised and controlled by the people’s elected President.”

The order endorses a legal concept known as the "unitary executive theory," which posits that the president has comprehensive control over the executive branch. Russell Vought, Trump's budget chief, is designated to oversee the agencies, establish performance targets, and periodically report to the President.

Legal experts anticipate swift challenges to this unprecedented order, as historical precedent shows previous administrations respecting the independence of these oversight bodies. Notably, the order has sparked concerns regarding the implications for agency operations and the potential reduction of checks on presidential authority.

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