Fact Check: "Trump issued an executive order in February 2025 seeking to bring independent agencies under control of the White House."
What We Know
In February 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled "Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies," which aimed to enhance presidential oversight of federal agencies, including independent regulatory agencies. The order mandates that all federal agencies, regardless of their independent status, submit significant regulatory actions for review by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within the Executive Office of the President before these actions are published in the Federal Register (source-1). This move is framed as a means to ensure that all executive branch officials remain accountable to the President, who is elected by the American people (source-2).
The executive order specifically highlights that independent agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will no longer operate without presidential oversight, which has been a point of contention in discussions about the balance of power within the federal government (source-3).
Analysis
The claim that Trump issued an executive order seeking to bring independent agencies under the control of the White House is partially accurate but requires clarification. The executive order does indeed aim to increase presidential oversight of independent agencies, which have traditionally operated with a degree of autonomy. However, the term "control" may imply a more authoritarian approach than what the order stipulates. The order emphasizes accountability and oversight rather than outright control, as it still respects the legal frameworks that govern these agencies.
The sources used to support this claim, particularly the executive order itself and the accompanying fact sheet, are credible and originate from official government publications (source-1, source-2). However, the interpretation of the order's implications can vary, and some critiques suggest that it could undermine the independence of these agencies, which are designed to operate free from direct political influence.
The NPR article provides context on the potential consequences of this executive order, noting that it could lead to significant changes in how independent agencies function, particularly regarding regulatory actions (source-3). This source is reliable as it is a well-established news organization that provides balanced reporting.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
While it is true that Trump issued an executive order in February 2025 that seeks to increase presidential oversight of independent agencies, the claim that he is bringing them "under control" of the White House is misleading. The order emphasizes accountability and oversight rather than direct control, and it still acknowledges the legal frameworks that govern these agencies. Therefore, the statement lacks nuance and misrepresents the nature of the executive order.
