Move that could redefine the balance of power in Washington, Donald Trump has signed a controversial executive order that could make him one of the most powerful presidents in U.S. history. This bold decision, which no previous president has dared to challenge, places formerly independent agencies under direct White House control, sparking intense debate among political experts and lawmakers.
Since returning to the Oval Office for his second term, Trump has wasted no time enacting sweeping changes through executive orders. From renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, imposing new tariffs on Canada and China, and rolling back Covid-19 vaccine mandates in schools, his presidency has been marked by rapid and decisive action. Now, his latest order is shaking up the very structure of government oversight.
Trump’s Order Strips Independent Agencies of Their Autonomy
The new directive mandates that powerful agencies—such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)—must now submit their proposed regulations for presidential review. These agencies, which have historically operated independently, will now have to align their policies with the administration’s strategic goals and priorities.
For decades, these regulatory bodies have wielded vast influence over the economy, issuing policies that impact businesses and consumers alike. However, Trump’s order asserts that they have exercised ‘enormous power’ without proper presidential oversight, allegedly costing the country billions of dollars. Under this new system, they will no longer be able to impose rules without direct accountability to the White House.
The Implications of Trump’s Bold Move
According to the executive order, all executive branch officials and employees are now under Trump’s supervision, with the Office of Management and Budget ensuring that tax dollars are spent in alignment with his administration’s agenda.
“The President and the Attorney General (subject to the President’s supervision and control) will interpret the law for the executive branch, instead of having separate agencies adopt conflicting interpretations,” the order states.
This shift marks a drastic departure from previous administrations, including Barack Obama’s, which intentionally avoided interfering with the independence of these regulatory bodies. Critics argue that Trump’s move is an unprecedented power grab, while supporters see it as a necessary step to ensure government agencies remain accountable to the American people.
A Presidency Like No Other
With this executive order, Trump is not just reshaping the federal government—he’s cementing his legacy as a president unafraid to challenge long-standing norms. As independent agencies are forced to answer directly to the White House, the balance of power in Washington is undergoing a seismic shift.
What happens next remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Trump’s second term is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in American history.
