President Trump has issued an executive order that asserts control over federal independent agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This move challenges the traditional independence of these agencies, which have historically operated under statutory authority granted by Congress.
Alexandra Reeve Givens, President and CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), criticized the order. "This action will serve only to politicize and corrupt independent agencies, which will now be subject to the political whims of those in power," she said. She emphasized that for a century, these agencies have been independent to allow experts to interpret laws without political bias. "Forcing these agencies to bow to political winds will lead to worse decisions and to regulatory whiplash as changes in administrations mean significant, unpredictable changes from a meddling President," Givens added.
The executive order gives unprecedented authority to the President, Attorney General, and Director of the Office of Management and Budget. They can establish performance standards for agency commissioners, review strategic plans, approve rule proposals, and alter funding levels. These actions are part of a broader effort by President Trump to expand his influence over federal agencies.
In his first month in office, President Trump dismissed several Democratic commissioners from independent agencies like the National Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission without cause. He also reduced certain executive agencies' functions, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The executive order undermines the role of independent agencies designed to operate free from political interference. The FCC handles technical issues like wireless spectrum management with expert staff making informed decisions. Similarly, the FTC employs specialists in consumer protection and competition law. Under this new directive, no agency decision can proceed without Presidential approval.
