President Trump’s Executive Order Aims to Reduce Federal Advisory Committees

Introduction: Streamlining Government Through Executive Action

President Trump has taken a significant step toward reducing the size and scope of the federal government with the signing of an executive order aimed at eliminating several federal advisory committees. This move targets four specific entities: the Presidio Trust, the Inter-American Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation, and the United States Institute of Peace. These organizations, which have historically received federal funding, are now under scrutiny as part of the administration’s broader effort to minimize government waste and streamline priorities. The order also comes amidst a collaboration between President Trump, Elon Musk, and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to aggressively downsize the federal government, aiming to reduce inflation through cost-cutting measures.

Specific Agencies Affected and Required Actions

The executive order mandates that each of the targeted organizations submit a report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) within 14 days. These reports must confirm compliance with the order and provide justification for any part of the organization deemed necessary, detailing the extent of its required functions. Additionally, several other federal advisory committees have been scrapped. The Administrator of USAID is tasked with terminating the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid, while the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection will dissolve the Academic Research Council and the Credit Union Advisory Council. The FDIC Board must terminate the Community Bank Advisory Council, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services will end the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Long COVID. Similarly, the Administrator of CMS will terminate the Health Equity Advisory Committee. These actions underscore the administration’s focus on eliminating what it views as unnecessary governmental entities.

Federal Workforce Faces Job Insecurity

The signing of this executive order has created a sense of panic among federal workers in Washington, D.C., who are experiencing a novel sense of job insecurity. This anxiety stems from another recent executive order signed by President Trump, which instructs DOGE to coordinate with federal agencies to execute massive cuts in the federal workforce. According to a White House fact sheet, this order requires DOGE and federal agencies to work together to "significantly" reduce the size of the federal government. Among other measures, agencies are now limited in their ability to hire new employees, with a mandate that they cannot hire more than one new employee for every four that leave their positions. Additionally, agencies have been instructed to develop plans for large-scale workforce reductions and to evaluate ways to eliminate or consolidate functions that are not legally required.

Broader Strategy for Government Downsizing

The Trump administration has framed these actions as part of a broader strategy to "drain the swamp" in Washington and eliminate ineffective government programs that fail to deliver measurable results. In a statement, the administration emphasized that President Trump was elected to address the frustrations of the American people with what they perceive as an overly bloated and inefficient federal government. To this end, the administration has also instructed key presidential assistants—responsible for National Security Affairs, Economic Policy, and Domestic Policy—to identify and submit a list of additional committees and boards for termination within 30 days of the order.

Legal Challenges and the Role of the Courts

President Trump has acknowledged that these ambitious plans to reshape the federal government may face legal challenges. In remarks to reporters, he expressed his hope that the court system would allow his administration to proceed with its agenda but made it clear that he would respect any court rulings, while also being prepared to appeal unfavorable decisions. His comments reflect an awareness that some of these actions may be contested in court, potentially slowing down or blocking some of the proposed changes. Despite these potential obstacles, the administration has pressed ahead, signaling its determination to follow through on its campaign promises to reduce the size and scope of the federal government.

Voter Reactions and Administration’s Commitment

President Trump has framed these efforts as a direct response to the desires of his voters, who he claims want action to address what he refers to as "all of this horrible stuff going on" in Washington. The administration is betting that these moves will resonate with its base, particularly those who supported Trump’s 2016 campaign promises to "drain the swamp" and reduce government inefficiency. While the long-term impact of these changes remains to be seen, they represent a significant shift in how the federal government operates and signal a continued commitment to the administration’s agenda of reducing the size and influence of the federal bureaucracy.