In a high-stakes legal showdown, the Democratic Party has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, accusing him of undermining the integrity of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) through an executive order that expands his influence over the independent agency.
The lawsuit, lodged in a Washington, D.C., federal court, marks the first major legal challenge from Democrats against Trump in his second term. It reflects their mounting concerns over what they describe as a sweeping effort to consolidate executive power, particularly in areas meant to remain beyond direct presidential control.
At the heart of the controversy is Trump’s February 18 executive order, which extends White House authority over not just the FEC but also other traditionally autonomous agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Critics argue that this move effectively allows Trump to dictate election rules and intervene in disputes, overriding the bipartisan election commission’s judgment.
Democratic leaders say this maneuver could tilt the electoral process in Trump’s favor, enabling him to influence campaign regulations and election outcomes. “This is not about reform—it’s about control,” the complaint asserts, warning that the order replaces neutral oversight with “the will of a single partisan political figure.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi, also named in the lawsuit, is expected to defend the order, with the Justice Department reaffirming its commitment to backing the president’s agenda in court. The election commission, meanwhile, has remained silent on the litigation.
The lawsuit seeks to block the order, arguing that a federal law shielding the FEC from presidential interference is both constitutional and essential for maintaining fair elections. With legal battles mounting against various Trump administration policies, this case could set a defining precedent on the limits of executive power over independent institutions.
