Trump is asserting extraordinary power over independent agencies. Is the Fed next?
Briefly

The article outlines the establishment of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) in 1887 as a pivotal moment in U.S. regulatory history. It highlights the need for independent regulation amidst corporate abuses in the railroad industry and emphasizes the ICC's design to operate away from partisan politics. With a focus on expert governance, Congress initially insulated the agency from direct presidential influence, making it harder for leaders to dismiss commissioners arbitrarily. This historical context is crucial for understanding contemporary battles over the independence of regulatory agencies.
The creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission marked a significant step in regulating powerful industries, an early example of bipartisan efforts to restrain corporate excess.
The ICC was designed to be insulated from presidential control, as its commissioners could only be removed for inefficiency or malfeasance, ensuring expert governance.
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