Washington, D.C. – In a controversial move, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at extending White House control over independent federal agencies, fundamentally reshaping the balance of power in the U.S. government. The order, signed on February 18, 2025, grants the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) increased oversight over traditionally independent agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
This decision has been described by critics as an unprecedented expansion of executive authority, while supporters argue that it streamlines government efficiency by reducing bureaucratic obstacles.
The newly signed order effectively places independent agencies under closer supervision of the White House, a shift that erodes their historic autonomy. Key changes include:
• Mandatory Reporting to the White House: Agencies like the FCC, FTC, and SEC must now coordinate directly with the OMB, submitting regular reports and aligning policies with White House directives.
• Increased Presidential Influence: The executive order grants the president more control over regulatory decisions, potentially limiting the agencies’ ability to operate without political pressure.
• A Push for the Unitary Executive Theory: This move aligns with Trump’s long-standing belief that the president should have full control over the executive branch, reducing the power of regulatory bodies that have traditionally functioned independently.
This order is expected to face significant legal challenges, as it directly undermines the framework that Congress established for these agencies to function without presidential interference. Many constitutional scholars argue that this shift disrupts the separation of powers, potentially giving Trump authority that no other U.S. president has wielded before.
Critics warn that this could lead to:
• Regulatory Decisions Being Politicized – Agencies that were designed to function outside of presidential influence may now be subject to policy decisions dictated by the White House.
• A Weakening of Institutional Checks and Balances – The FTC and SEC are responsible for overseeing corporate regulations, preventing monopolies, and protecting consumer rights. Increased presidential control could compromise their neutrality.
• A Broader Expansion of Trump’s Executive Power – This order aligns with Agenda 47, Trump’s political vision for expanding presidential powers. Under this plan, Trump has also proposed firing government employees at will, reissuing Executive Order 13957 (Schedule F) to eliminate bureaucratic resistance, and restoring the president’s ability to remove independent officials without restriction.
Despite the backlash, supporters argue that this executive order is a necessary reform to reduce government inefficiency. Advocates claim that independent agencies wield too much power without accountability and that bringing them under White House oversight ensures they serve the administration’s policy goals rather than unelected bureaucrats’ agendas.
Republican lawmakers and Trump allies believe that this order will help cut through red tape, making government more efficient, responsive, and aligned with presidential priorities.
The move will likely be challenged in court, with opponents arguing that independent agencies must remain autonomous to uphold the balance of power. Legal battles could delay or even block full implementation, but if upheld, this order could permanently reshape the power structure of the federal government.
As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear: Trump’s latest executive action could go down in history as one of the most significant expansions of presidential authority ever attempted.
What do you think about this executive order? Stay tuned with Mykro Wave TV for updates on this developing story and more political insights.
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