Expansion of Presidential Power Over Independent Agencies

The podcast discusses a recent executive order from the Trump administration that expands presidential authority over independent agencies, which traditionally operated with a degree of autonomy. These agencies, such as the SEC and the FDIC, have historically been insulated from direct presidential influence, allowing them to create regulations based on specialized knowledge without mandatory oversight from the White House. The new order requires these agencies to submit new regulations to the White House for approval and establish liaisons to ensure alignment with presidential policies. This shift raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly in instances where the president has a financial stake in the sectors these agencies regulate, such as the hypothetical example of the SEC introducing cryptocurrency rules that could impact the president's interests in that market.