United States Democratic Party on Friday sued President Donald Trump over a recent executive order it says violates federal election law by giving him too much power over the independent Federal Election Commission.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the Washington DC federal court by three national Democratic committees, is the party’s first against Trump during the Republican’s second White House term.
It comes as Democrats, outnumbered in Congress, demand an effective means to counteract far-reaching changes from Trump’s first six weeks of his second term, including many steps to reduce government oversight and eliminate internal dissent.
Many lawsuits have countered other actions taken by Trump since his January 20 inauguration.
The lawsuit on Friday objects to a February 18 order giving the White House more control over the election commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission and other traditionally independent agencies that normally operate day-to-day at arm’s length from the president.
Critics have called the order an unprecedented power grab.
According to Democrats, enforcing the order would essentially substitute Trump’s views on election-related disputes for those of the bipartisan election commission, and let him dictate outcomes.
Other defendants include Attorney General Pam Bondi, the election commission and three commissioners.
A spokeswoman for the US Department of Justice said in an email: “This department has already been fighting in court to vigorously defend President Trump’s agenda and will continue to do so.”
According to the election commission through a spokesman, it does not discuss litigation.