Story perspectives

Trump Signs Order to Tighten Proxy Advisory Regulations

12/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on December 11, 2025 to increase proxy advisory oversight, targeting Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis.
The order directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to review rules and consider new proxy-voting regulations addressing ESG issues.
The move reflects conservative efforts against proxy firms with prior legal wins.
The order also calls for review of antitrust concerns tied to state investigations.

History

Historical Context

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was enacted to improve corporate governance and accountability following the Enron scandal, significantly affecting firms like Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis. In 2025, Trump's executive order continues this trend, targeting proxy advisory firms and emphasizing ESG issues, potentially reshaping shareholder engagement and corporate governance practices in the U.S. for years to come.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on December 11, 2025 to increase proxy advisory oversight, targeting Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis.
The order directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to review rules and consider new proxy-voting regulations addressing ESG issues.
The move reflects conservative efforts against proxy firms with prior legal wins.
The order also calls for review of antitrust concerns tied to state investigations.

1 / 2