The Logoff is a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here.Welcome to The Logoff. Today Im focusing on the Trump administrations effort to exert control over independent regulators, a power grab with implications for the governments balance of power and for your daily life. Whats the latest? Donald Trump issued an executive order on Tuesday that would put a series of independent regulatory agencies (and their investigations and rulemaking processes) directly under White House control. How does that change the way things work now? The dozens of independent agencies in the federal government have the power to interpret federal law and launch investigations into alleged rulebreakers. The president appoints the leaders to the agencies boards. But many commissioners terms are longer than a single administrations, and the president cant fire them simply because he doesnt like their decisions. Under Trumps new rules, that autonomy would go away.What are these independent agencies? There are dozens of them, including:The Securities and Exchange Commission, which regulates the stock market;The Federal Trade Commission, which regulates businesses relationships with consumers;The Federal Communications Commission, which regulates the airwaves and internet.Are they all included? The order specifically exempts the Federal Reserves work to set interest rates, but thats it!Whats next? The executive order will almost certainly face legal challenges, and the question over the reach of executive power could get kicked all the way up to the Supreme Court. These agencies independence is protected by law, but the Trump team argues those laws are unconstitutional.Whats the big picture? Trump is again attempting to expand the presidents power. Congress passed laws giving these agencies a measure of independence, and putting lawmakers in charge of their oversight. Trump is now claiming that power for himself, arguing their independence makes them unaccountable.But how does it affect me? These agencies regulate so many facets of daily life preventing everything from predatory business practices to nuclear reactor meltdowns.And with that, its time to log off ...How are you sleeping these days? If the answer is not well, I have a listen for you, courtesy of Voxs Explain It to Me podcast. This week, they interviewed a sleep psychologist to get answers to questions like: Why am I a night owl? How can I nap responsibly? And what should I do about my chronic struggle to stay asleep? I hope you enjoy it. And Ill see you back here tomorrow.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More: