- United States
- Letter
Protect agency independence from authoritarian executive overreach
To: Pres. Trump
From: A constituent in Raleigh, NC
February 22, 2025
President Trump's recent executive order seeking to remove the independence of federal regulatory agencies is a disturbing overreach of executive power that undermines vital checks and balances in our government. By attempting to place agencies like the SEC, FTC, and FCC directly under White House control, this order would concentrate immense regulatory authority in the hands of the president alone. This consolidation of power poses a grave threat to our democratic system. These independent agencies were established by Congress to remain insulated from undue political influence, enabling them to objectively implement laws and regulations free from partisan pressures. Stripping their autonomy would open the door for the president to improperly intervene in investigations, rulemaking, and enforcement actions for political motivations or personal benefit. Undermining these agencies' ability to act as impartial watchdogs jeopardizes vital consumer protections, public safety rules, and fair market oversight critical to our nation's well-being. Centralizing control over so many areas of American life under the executive branch is an alarming step toward authoritarianism that citizens must adamantly reject. I urge you to take immediate action to block this unconstitutional executive overreach and defend the system of checks and balances enshrined in our nation's founding principles. The future of our democracy hinges on upholding the separation of powers and rule of law.