WASHINGTON—President Trump signed an executive order that seeks to give his political appointees far-reaching control over government agencies that Congress established to operate with some independence of the White House,

The order weighing on the federal agency's independence could also have implications on enforcement activity, concerned observers say.

The Trump administration has taken another step to centralize the executive branch with a new order that “reins in independent agencies.” | The White House's latest executive order would give the president greater control over federal agencies typically shielded by cross-term leadership appointments and dismissal protections.