Summary
Makes independent government groups report to the President, ensuring their rules are reviewed before being published and they follow the President's goals.
What problem does this solve?
Some government agencies have been allowed to operate without enough supervision from the President. This order requires all agencies, including independent ones, to have their major rules reviewed by the President's office to increase accountability.
Who does this affect?
- Independent regulatory agencies
- Federal employees
- Heads of executive departments
What does this order do?
Requires presidential review of all agency rules
Mandates all executive agencies, including previously independent ones, submit significant proposed rules to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review.
Gives budget control to the White House
Allows the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to adjust independent agencies' spending to make sure it aligns with the President's policies and priorities.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Rules of Conduct Guiding Federal Employees' Interpretation of the Law
Establishes presidential interpretation of law as final
States that interpretations of law from the President and Attorney General are final and must be followed by all executive branch employees in their official duties.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Additional Consultation with the Executive Office of the President
Creates White House liaisons in agencies
Requires independent regulatory agencies to create a new 'White House Liaison' position to coordinate with the President's office.
Sets performance goals for agency heads
Directs the OMB to create performance standards for the heads of independent agencies and report on their progress to the President.
What is the real world impact?
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Increases accountability to the public
Ensures that powerful government agencies, which are run by unelected officials, are supervised by the President, who is elected by and accountable to the American people.
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Centralizes power in the White House
Critics might argue this order undermines the independence of agencies designed to be free from political influence, giving the President too much control over their expert decisions and budgets.
When does this start?
This order becomes effective on February 18, 2025, but includes a specific deadline for agencies to begin submitting rules for review.
Agency rule submission deadline
Independent agencies must begin submitting regulatory actions for review within 60 days of this order (by April 19, 2025), or sooner if implementation guidance is completed.