Donald Trump’s second term has already marked a series of significant executive actions, drawing attention for their scope and implications on presidential power. Among his notable moves are orders renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, imposing tax tariffs on Canada and China, and restricting transgender women from participating in sports.
Additionally, Trump signed measures to end COVID-19 vaccine mandates in schools, eliminate paper straws, and create a new White House Faith Office to replace the former Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
One of the most consequential actions occurred on February 18, when Trump signed an executive order aimed at centralizing control over independent agencies, a step that past presidents, including Barack Obama, have generally avoided. These agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Federal Communications Commission (FCC), are typically known for their autonomy, operating with limited presidential oversight. Trump’s new directive requires these agencies to submit draft regulations for presidential review, shifting their regulatory power closer under the White House’s influence. The agencies will also need to consult with politicians on their strategic plans and priorities.
The order stipulates that, with the exception of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, all executive branch officials and employees will now be subject to the president’s supervision. Trump emphasized that agencies could no longer issue rules without presidential oversight or accountability, citing past regulations as costly and burdensome to the American people.
Trump’s move to rein in the independent agencies reflects his belief that executive power should be centralized under the president, echoing his broader view that the executive branch must be responsible to the people. The order asserts that the Founding Fathers intended the president to be the singular figure vested with executive authority, holding responsibility for ensuring that laws are faithfully executed.
As part of the new system, Russell Vought, the acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, will oversee the performance and management of the heads of independent agencies. He will report regularly to the president on their efficiency and make recommendations for adjustments to their budgets in line with presidential policies.
This executive order, which disrupts longstanding norms around the independence of regulatory agencies, significantly expands Trump’s authority and could potentially make him one of the most powerful U.S. presidents in history. By breaking the traditional separation between the White House and regulatory agencies, Trump is reshaping the executive branch, consolidating power in a way that previous presidents have largely refrained from doing.