Independent agencies play a crucial role in the U.S. government, operating autonomously to regulate specific sectors and ensure accountability. Recently, significant leadership changes and policy shifts have occurred within these agencies under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Executive Order on Independent Agencies

On February 18, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14215, titled “Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies.” This order mandates that independent agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Federal Communications Commission (FCC), align their rulemaking and legal positions with presidential directives. The order requires these agencies to submit all significant regulatory actions to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review and approval before publication. This move aims to increase presidential oversight over agencies traditionally operating with a degree of independence.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Leadership Changes

In March 2025, President Trump dismissed Democratic FTC commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya, actions that have sparked legal challenges and concerns about the agency’s independence. The commissioners argue that their termination was illegal and violated nearly 90 years of U.S. Supreme Court precedent, specifically referencing a 1935 decision that restricted President Franklin D. Roosevelt from firing an FTC commissioner over political differences. The case is now before U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan, with the plaintiffs seeking expedited treatment. Meanwhile, the FTC is currently comprised of three Republican commissioners, following the Senate’s confirmation of Mark Meador, a former antitrust counsel to Senator Mike Lee.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Restructuring

Lee Zeldin was confirmed as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on January 29, 2025. Under his leadership, the EPA has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 65% and has rolled back several pollution regulations, emphasizing collaboration with industry over stringent regulatory measures. These changes have prompted debates about the future of environmental protections and the agency’s role.

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Leadership Change

Following an executive order aimed at dismantling several government agencies, President Trump appointed Keith Sonderling as the acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The IMLS, established in 1996, provides over $200 million annually in grants to museums and libraries. The appointment has raised concerns about the future of federal support for cultural and educational institutions.

Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Upheaval

Bill Pulte, a former private equity executive, was appointed as the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Subsequently, two senior executives and numerous employees were placed on administrative leave. These actions have led to significant upheaval within the agency, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and have sparked discussions about the potential privatization of these government-sponsored enterprises.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Leadership and Structural Changes

In January 2025, President Trump ordered a near-total freeze on foreign aid, leading to significant staff reductions at USAID. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he had been appointed Acting Administrator of USAID and that the agency was being merged into the State Department. These actions have raised concerns about the future of U.S. foreign assistance programs and their global impact.

Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) Resignations

On January 20, 2025, the White House requested resignation letters from the three Democratic members of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, including Chair Sharon Bradford Franklin. This left the board with just one member, Beth Ann Williams, effectively paralyzing its operations. The move has raised concerns about the oversight of privacy and civil liberties in government actions.

Implications of These Changes

The recent leadership changes and policy shifts within independent agencies reflect a broader effort by the current administration to assert greater control over traditionally autonomous entities. These developments have sparked legal challenges, debates about the balance of power, and concerns about the future effectiveness and independence of these agencies.

Note: This page will be updated as more information becomes available.