The recent executive order signed by President Trump titled "Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies" raises significant concerns about the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. While the order seeks to increase presidential oversight of federal agencies within the executive branch, a key provision grants the president and attorney general sole authority to provide "authoritative interpretations of law" for these agencies. This consolidation of legal interpretive power under the executive branch represents an encroachment on the traditional system of checks and balances. The order effectively removes a degree of independence from lawyers working in agencies classified as "independent regulatory agencies," requiring them to adhere to the president's and attorney general's interpretations of the law. This could lead to regulatory decisions and litigation stances being dictated by the White House rather than based on objective legal analysis. Such a concentration of authority within the executive branch undermines the principles of governmental accountability and could enable overreach. Given the gravity of this executive action and its implications for the balance of power among the three branches of government, a thorough review and potential congressional intervention may be warranted to safeguard the integrity of the nation's democratic institutions. A measured yet decisive response is crucial to upholding the constitutional framework and preventing any further erosion of checks on executive power.
First sent on February 20 by Nobody is above the law
