Trump’s Executive Order on Federal Regulations
President Donald Trump has introduced an important executive order that diminishes the federal government’s ability to prosecute citizens for minor infractions linked to complex regulations set by unaccountable agencies.
The order, titled “The Battle of Over-Liminalization in Federal Regulations,” was released on Friday. It limits the federal government from pursuing legal action against individuals who violate certain health-related regulations.
The order itself states, “The United States is subject to extensive regulation, with over 48,000 sections spanning more than 175,000 pages. This sheer volume is unmanageable for the average citizen and poses significant risks as many of these regulations carry criminal penalties for breaches.”
Moreover, the directive mandates that federal agencies outline these criminal penalties and generate a list of relevant regulations for public access within a year. It does allow legal action against individuals who purposefully break the law, while ensuring that those without malicious intent cannot be prosecuted.
Supporters of limiting governmental power have praised the order. For instance, California attorney Laura Powell highlighted it as a step towards better governance. She pointed out that the vast federal regulations encompass many criminal offenses and claimed that this ambiguity undermines due process by failing to provide clear notice of the laws. Powell noted, “Many crimes operate under strict liability, meaning individuals can be penalized without realizing their behavior is illegal.” She criticized the administrative state for circumventing legislative authority.
Stephen Nehaila, chair of the Libertarian Party, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the order marks the beginning of a wider movement to untangle federal regulations. He described Trump’s recent executive orders as commendable progress towards restoring personal liberties and addressing government overreach. However, he cautioned that this enforcement should not signal an end to efforts in dismantling the confusing maze of federal regulations that infringe on freedoms.
James Madison was quoted in the order, emphasizing that laws too extensive to understand can be of little benefit to those governed by them.
