Under the authority granted to me as President by the U.S. Constitution and federal laws, I hereby issue the following directive:

Section 1. Policy and Purpose. The Constitution assigns all executive powers to the President, who is responsible for the faithful execution of laws. Recognizing that the President cannot manage all executive functions alone, the Constitution allows for subordinate officials to aid in these duties. Although these officials have significant authority, they remain under the President’s continuous oversight and control. The President is chosen through regular elections and is accountable to the American electorate, creating a framework for governmental accountability. This includes the separation of powers among executive and legislative branches, congressional elections, and an independent judiciary with judges appointed by the President with Senate approval, all aimed at ensuring that the government remains answerable to the populace.

However, past administrations have permitted certain “independent regulatory agencies” to operate with limited Presidential oversight. These agencies exercise considerable executive power while lacking adequate accountability to the President and, by extension, the American people. Furthermore, they have been allowed to create significant regulations without sufficient review from the President.

These practices compromise the accountability of these regulatory bodies to the public and hinder a consistent and unified enforcement of federal law. It is essential for a truly accountable government that those in positions of significant executive authority are managed and directed by the elected President. Thus, to enhance the functioning of the executive branch and to improve the accountability of regulatory officials to the American populace, it will be the policy of the executive branch to ensure that all activities are under Presidential oversight. All executive departments and agencies, including independent agencies, are required to submit all proposed and final significant regulatory actions for review to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within the Executive Office of the President before they are published in the Federal Register.

Sec 2. Definitions. In this order:

(a) The term “employees” refers to the definition in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code.

(b) The term “independent regulatory agency” is defined in section 3502(5) of title 44, United States Code. This order excludes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Open Market Committee regarding monetary policy but applies to the Federal Reserve in connection with its roles in supervising and regulating financial institutions.

(c) The term “independent regulatory agency chairman” refers to the chair of multi-member independent regulatory agencies or the head of single-headed agencies.

(d) The “head” of an independent regulatory agency refers to appointed individuals responsible for overseeing the agencies, which includes chairpersons, directors, or similar officials.

Sec 3. OIRA Review of Agency Regulations. (a) Section 3(b) of Executive Order 12866 from September 30, 1993, “Regulatory Planning and Review,” is amended to state:

“(b) The term ‘Agency’ refers to any authority under the United States that qualifies as an ‘agency’ under 44 U.S.C. 3502(1), including the Federal Election Commission. This order does not apply to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Open Market Committee concerning monetary policy but applies to the Federal Reserve in relation to its supervisory and regulatory functions with financial institutions.”

(b) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) shall provide guidance to the leaders of executive departments and agencies on the implementation of this order, which will commence within the earlier of 60 days from the date of this order or upon the completion of such guidance.

Sec 4. Performance Standards and Management Objectives. The Director of OMB will set performance standards and management objectives for independent agency heads, as appropriate, and report periodically to the President on their progress and efficiency in meeting these standards.

Sec 5. Funding for Independent Regulatory Agencies. The Director of OMB shall continuously:

(a) Review the obligations of independent regulatory agencies to ensure they align with the President’s policies and priorities;

(b) Collaborate with agency chairpersons to adjust their budgets by activity, function, or project, as needed, to promote the President’s policies. Such adjustments can restrict budget expenditures on specific activities, functions, or objectives as long as they comply with the law.

Sec 6. Enhanced Consultation with the Executive Office. (a) Independent regulatory agency chairpersons must regularly consult with and align their policies with the directors of OMB, the White House Domestic Policy Council, and the White House National Economic Council.

(b) Heads of independent regulatory agencies are required to create a White House Liaison position within their organizations. This position shall be at grade 15 of the General Schedule and fall under Schedule C of excepted service.

(c) Agency strategic plans, developed pursuant to the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, must be submitted to the OMB Director for approval prior to finalization.

Sec 7. Rules of Conduct for Federal Employees. The President and the Attorney General, under the President’s supervision, will offer authoritative legal interpretations for the executive branch. Their legal opinions will guide all employees in their official roles. No employee may advocate a legal interpretation contrary to the President’s or Attorney General’s views on any legal issue, including regulations or litigation positions, unless expressly authorized by the President or in writing by the Attorney General.

Sec 8. General Provisions. (a) If any part of this order is deemed invalid, the remaining sections and their applications will remain unaffected.

(b) This order does not impair the authority granted by law to any executive department or agency or their leaders, nor does it impact the functions of the OMB Director concerning budgetary, administrative, or legislative tasks.

(c) This order will be executed in accordance with applicable laws and within the scope of available appropriations.

(d) This order intends no legal rights or benefits enforceable by any entity against the U.S., its departments, agencies, officials, employees, or any other individual.