The Trump administration implemented a significant decrease in the number of federal advisory committees during its tenure. These committees, composed of experts and stakeholders, provide advice and recommendations to the executive branch on a wide range of policy issues. A reduction implies a streamlining of governmental consultation processes and potentially a decrease in the influence of external advisors on policy formation.
The rationale behind diminishing the size and scope of these advisory bodies often centered on cost savings, efficiency improvements, and a desire to reduce regulatory burdens. Supporters of such measures argued that fewer committees could lead to faster decision-making and a more direct line of authority within the government. Historically, federal advisory committees have played a crucial role in informing policy across various sectors, from environmental protection to economic regulation, thus any alteration to their structure carries considerable weight.