Trump takes control of FERC and other independent agencies

President Donald Trump’s administration has issued an executive order that significantly shifts the balance of power towards White House control over independent agencies in Washington. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) found itself in the middle of this directive affecting various regulators across the capital.

This move is unprecedented and impacts agencies dating back to the late 19th century that were established to ensure regulatory independence from direct presidential influence. Trump’s order asserts that the President holds complete authority over the executive branch, according to the unitary executive theory. While this theory has traditionally been on the fringes, there are legal concerns surrounding its legality, particularly given that Congress specifically established these agencies to function autonomously.

The implications of this executive order extend beyond FERC to bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission. It represents a significant departure from the traditional boundaries between the executive branch and independent regulators. The enduring independence of these agencies appears to be under threat as the White House pushes for a more centralized control over economic regulation and oversight.

The order issued by Trump raises questions about the future of these regulatory bodies, disrupting the status quo and potentially reshaping their functioning. By asserting control over major actions by independent agencies, the President’s directive disrupts the established norms and practices that have long guided the interactions between these regulatory bodies and the executive branch.

This directive challenges the core principles that have underpinned the functioning of independent agencies, calling into question the insulation they once enjoyed from direct Presidential involvement. As moves to consolidate power under the White House gather pace, the long-term implications for regulatory oversight and economic governance remain uncertain.

Trump’s executive order sets a new precedent in Washington, signaling a shift in the power dynamics between the White House and independent agencies. FERC, alongside other agencies, finds itself grappling with the implications of this directive, as the President asserts greater control over regulatory decision-making. The impact of this order reverberates across the regulatory landscape, heralding a new era of oversight and governance in Washington.