An executive order issued by US President Donald Trump directed independent regulatory agencies to submit significant proposed and final rules for White House review, expanding presidential supervision over bodies that historically operated with a degree of separation from day-to-day executive control.
The order, titled "Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies," states that the administration's policy is to ensure presidential supervision and control across the executive branch. It argues that independent regulators exercise substantial executive authority and should be accountable to the elected president. That rationale is the administration's stated legal and policy position.
Under the directive, significant regulatory actions must go to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, an office within the Executive Office of the President, before publication in the Federal Register. The Office of Management and Budget must issue implementation guidance, with newly covered agencies beginning submissions within 60 days of the order or when the guidance is completed, whichever comes first.
The order also gives OMB a broader management role. Its director is instructed to establish performance standards and objectives for the heads of independent agencies and report periodically to the president. OMB must review agency obligations for consistency with presidential policies and may adjust how appropriated funds are apportioned among activities, projects or functions, provided those restrictions comply with law.
Agency leaders are required to coordinate policies and priorities with OMB, the White House Domestic Policy Council and the National Economic Council. Each covered agency must create a White House liaison position at General Schedule grade 15 in Schedule C of the excepted service. Strategic plans must receive OMB clearance before they are finalised.
The directive further says the president and attorney general will supply authoritative legal interpretations for the executive branch. Their opinions are controlling on employees acting officially, and officials may not advance a conflicting US position through regulations, guidance or litigation unless authorised by the president or, in writing, by the attorney general.
Monetary policy is specifically carved out. The order does not apply to the Federal Reserve Board or Federal Open Market Committee when conducting monetary policy. It does cover the Federal Reserve Board's supervision and regulation of financial institutions. The definition of agency also includes the Federal Election Commission.
General clauses say implementation must remain consistent with applicable law and available appropriations, and that existing statutory authority is not impaired. The order therefore sets an expansive framework for central review, but its own text makes the exercise of that control subject to legal limits. Its practical effect would depend on implementation by OMB and the responses of the affected regulators.
