Ranking Member Morelle Demands President Trump Rescind Misguided EO to Control Independent Regulatory Agencies

“Your executive order opens the floodgates to political corruption and immeasurable money in politics”

WASHINGTON — Today, Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25), the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, sent a letter to President Trump demanding immediate reversal of the so-called “Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies” Executive Order. 

“Your attempt to unilaterally bring the power and authority of independent regulatory agencies under the control of the White House is an unprecedented violation of American rule of law, demonstrating a contempt for the constitutional order that makes our nation a beacon of democracy the world over,” wrote Ranking Member Morelle.

The February 18, 2025 executive order dismisses separation of power principles central to our Constitution and completely ignores that Congress specifically designed certain independent regulatory agencies to exist outside of White House control.

“In the event that you refuse to rescind this misguided order, it is my hope that you will vow to the American people, clearly and unequivocally, that you will allow independent agencies like the Federal Election Commission to conduct full, free, and fair investigations of potential violations of the law—including those allegedly committed by yourself or your campaign—without any political interference or pressure. Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical matter,” added Rep. Morelle.

It’s important to note that the origins of the Federal Election Commission, and its essential independence from presidential dominion, lie in the Watergate scandal, and President Nixon’s efforts to subvert American elections in his quest for personal power. As one of the only agencies that has a role in upholding federal laws that touch on the behavior of the President and his allies—in their capacity as political candidates—the independence of the Federal Election Commission is vital to the civic health of the United States.

Click here to read Ranking Member Morelle’s full letter.

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The Committee on House Administration’s jurisdiction includes federal elections, House operations, Capitol Complex security, and Legislative Branch agencies such as the Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institution, and Government Publishing Office.