Fact Sheet: President Trump Limits Independent Agencies to Restore…
President Donald J. Trump has taken a significant step towards restoring democracy and accountability in government by signing an Executive Order that ensures all federal agencies are accountable to the American people as mandated by the Constitution. This Executive Order emphasizes that all executive power in the U.S. Constitution is vested in the President, making all executive branch officials and employees subject to his supervision.
The Executive Order requires all agencies, including so-called independent ones like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to submit draft regulations for White House review. This includes consulting with the White House on strategic plans and priorities, with the White House setting performance standards to ensure accountability. The Office of Management and Budget will adjust the apportionments of independent agencies to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
Independent agencies have been mentioned for exercising significant power over the American people without any oversight from the democratically elected President. These agencies have issued rules and regulations costing billions without the President’s review, spending tax dollars and setting priorities independently, and establishing performance standards without any consultation. The new Executive Order ensures that these agencies will no longer be able to impose rules on the American people without oversight and accountability.
President Trump’s order aims to fulfill the promise of restoring constitutional governance and accountability to the entire executive branch. The foundation of the United States is based on the principle that the government should be accountable to the people. The Founders established a presidency vested with the executive power and the responsibility to ensure that laws are faithfully executed. This order allows voters and the President to hold all Federal agencies accountable for their decisions, aligning with the constitutional requirement.
By reining in independent agencies and ensuring a government that answers to the people, President Trump’s Executive Order paves the way for increased oversight and accountability in government. The order emphasizes the importance of executive power being aligned with responsibility, advocating for a government that is accountable to the American people. This measure signals a significant step towards restoring democratic principles and reinforcing the idea that the government should be transparent and answerable to its citizens.
