U.S. President Trump signs executive order to strengthen restrictions on independent federal regulatory agencies such as the SEC

On February 18th local time, U.S. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to strengthen constraints on a number of independent federal regulatory agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Trade Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission. The executive order requires these agencies to submit drafts of regulations for White House review before publication, and consult with the Trump administration about their priorities and strategic plans. Independent federal agencies usually follow White House directives but are not required by their duties to do so. This executive order may provoke legal challenges from these regulatory agencies.