1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Two recent executive orders issued by the Trump administration represent an unprecedented consolidation of presidential power, dismantling agency independence and eliminating legal checks on the executive branch. These orders directly violate the separation of powers and demand immediate congressional action. Executive Order 1: The Elimination of Independent Agencies This order strips independent agencies, including the SEC, EPA, FTC, and FEC, of their authority by: Requiring all regulatory actions to be submitted to the White House for approval, eliminating independent decision-making. Placing agency funding under the control of the Office of Management and Budget, allowing the president to defund agencies that do not align with his agenda. Bringing the Federal Election Commission under White House oversight, giving the president direct influence over campaign finance enforcement. This order effectively nullifies congressional oversight and allows the executive branch to manipulate regulatory enforcement for political gain. Executive Order 2: The President and Attorney General as the Sole Interpreters of Law This order mandates that all federal employees and agency officials follow only the legal opinions of the President and Attorney General, undermining judicial rulings and congressional authority. It: Strips federal agencies of independent legal interpretation, ensuring that laws are enforced only as the White House dictates. Undermines judicial oversight by prohibiting agency officials from considering court rulings that contradict the administration’s stance. Politicizes regulatory enforcement by allowing the executive branch to selectively apply or ignore laws. This order is an outright rejection of constitutional principles, giving the executive branch unchecked authority to shape legal enforcement without oversight. Congress Must Act Immediately These executive orders fundamentally alter the structure of the federal government, placing critical agencies under direct White House control and dismantling legal independence. Congress must: 1. Introduce legislation to reaffirm agency autonomy and prevent executive interference. 2. Block funding for the implementation of these executive orders. 3. Pursue immediate legal challenges to prevent the orders from taking effect. 4. Conduct public hearings to expose the constitutional violations these orders represent. These actions are not just concerning—they pose an existential threat to democratic governance. Congress has a responsibility to act. What steps are being taken to challenge these executive orders and uphold the Constitution? A direct response is expected.