Understanding the Executive Order: Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies issued February 18, 2025

On February 18, 2025, a new executive order titled "Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies" was issued, aiming to reshape how federal agencies operate under the President’s authority. This order seeks to strengthen oversight of the executive branch, including agencies traditionally seen as independent, to ensure they align with the President’s policies and remain accountable to the American people.

What Does the Order Do?

At its core, the executive order asserts that all executive power rests with the President, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. It argues that federal agencies—including independent regulatory agencies like the Federal Election Commission or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau—should not operate with minimal Presidential supervision. Historically, these agencies have had some autonomy to create regulations without direct input from the President. The order changes this by requiring them to submit all significant proposed and final regulations to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), a part of the Executive Office of the President, for review before they can be published.

Additionally, the order introduces several measures to increase Presidential control:

• Performance Oversight: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will set performance standards for agency heads and evaluate their efficiency.
• Budget Adjustments: OMB will review and adjust funding allocations for these agencies to align with the President’s priorities, potentially limiting spending on certain activities.
• Policy Coordination: Agency leaders must consult with key White House offices, such as the Domestic Policy Council and National Economic Council, and appoint a White House Liaison to facilitate communication.
• Legal Interpretations: All federal employees must follow the President’s or Attorney General’s legal opinions when acting officially, ensuring a unified stance on legal matters across the government.

Exceptions and Limits

The order does not fully apply to all independent bodies. For instance, the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions (like setting interest rates) are exempt, though its regulatory actions over financial institutions are not. The order also specifies that it must operate within existing laws and available budgets, and it does not create new legal rights for individuals to challenge the government.

Why Was This Order Issued?

The stated purpose is to enhance accountability. The administration argues that independent agencies wielding significant power without Presidential oversight weaken the link between the government and the public, who elect the President to lead the executive branch. By bringing these agencies under closer supervision, the order aims to ensure a more cohesive federal policy and restore what it sees as the constitutional balance of power.

What Could This Mean for the Public?

For citizens, this could lead to more consistent federal regulations that reflect the priorities of the current administration. Supporters might see it as a way to streamline government and make it more responsive to voters. Critics, however, might worry that it reduces the independence of agencies designed to operate free from political influence, potentially affecting their ability to make impartial decisions on issues like consumer protection, elections, or financial regulation.

In summary, this executive order is a significant step toward centralizing control over the executive branch, ensuring that all agencies—independent or not—answer more directly to the President and, through that, to the public. Its full impact will depend on how it is implemented and any legal challenges that may arise.

Read the full executive order here: