Trump Accused of Trying to Consolidate Power Over Independent Agencies

UVA experts say Trump's actions set dangerous precedents for future presidencies.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 6:15pm

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A group of academic experts from the University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs said during a webinar that President Donald Trump's efforts to exert more control over independent agencies like the FCC are part of a broader attempt to consolidate power in the executive branch. They warned that the precedents set by Trump will be difficult, if not impossible, to reset in future administrations.

Why it matters

Independent federal agencies like the FCC are designed to be insulated from direct political influence, but Trump has sought to make them more beholden to the White House. Experts say this represents a dangerous erosion of the checks and balances that are fundamental to American democracy.

The details

During the webinar, the UVA experts said Trump has taken a "ruthless" approach to trying to bring independent agencies under the direct control of the presidency. This includes attempting to fire agency heads who don't align with his priorities and packing these bodies with loyalists.

  • The webinar was held on Thursday, February 2, 2026.

The players

University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs

A nonpartisan institute at the University of Virginia that studies the American presidency and public policy.

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who served from 2017 to 2021.

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The takeaway

Trump's efforts to exert more control over independent agencies like the FCC represent a concerning erosion of the checks and balances that are fundamental to American democracy. The precedents set by this administration could have lasting negative impacts on the balance of power between the executive branch and other government institutions.