President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order titled “Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies,” aimed at increasing the White House’s oversight of independent federal agencies. This directive requires agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to submit significant regulations for review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) before implementation. Additionally, these agencies are to appoint White House liaisons to coordinate policy decisions and ensure alignment with administration priorities. The order also grants the OMB authority over agency budgets, allowing for review and potential restriction of spending decisions. While the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy remains exempt, the directive extends White House influence over the Fed’s regulatory and enforcement functions. Furthermore, the order centralizes legal interpretations within the executive branch, stipulating that only the President and the Attorney General can issue official legal interpretations, thereby limiting agency lawyers from taking positions that contradict the White House or Justice Department. This initiative is presented as a necessary measure to ensure that agencies are accountable to the President, reflecting the administration’s commitment to responsible governance. The implementation of these changes may require additional resources and time to fully integrate into the existing framework.
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Tom Blake writes on markets, trade policy, and the government’s role in private enterprise. He studied economics at George Mason University and spent six years as a policy advisor for a business coalition before turning to financial journalism. His work examines the real-world impact of regulations, subsidies, and federal economic planning.