Jeffrey Clark, a figure deeply involved in the Trump administration's push to loosen federal regulations, has stepped down from his post as associate administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). This move, confirmed through his LinkedIn profile and by individuals familiar with personnel changes, marks the end of his tenure in a role that oversaw the review of significant federal rules. Clark's departure comes amid an ongoing professional challenge: a recommendation from the DC Court of Appeals Board of Professional Responsibility for his permanent disbarment, stemming from his actions related to the 2020 election.
Clark's time at OIRA, a key office within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), was characterized by a focus on reducing energy and environmental regulations. He previously served as OIRA's acting leader, instrumental in the administration's stated aim of boosting the economy through deregulation. His efforts included playing a part in the move to repeal the EPA's endangerment finding, a policy that had paved the way for federal climate regulations.
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The controversy surrounding Clark's professional conduct continues. Despite his resignation from the White House, a push for his disbarment in Washington D.C. persists. This push is based on his alleged recommendation that state legislatures investigate "voting irregularities" in the 2020 election while he was acting assistant attorney general at the Department of Justice. The DC Court of Appeals Board of Professional Responsibility has recommended permanent disbarment, though the final decision rests with the DC Court of Appeals itself. Interestingly, former Attorneys General Bill Barr, Jeff Sessions, and Michael Mukasey have submitted an amicus brief advocating against Clark's disbarment, even as Barr has previously voiced criticism of Clark's actions regarding the 2020 election. Clark's lawyer has stated that his client "never lied about anything to anybody" and argues that the disbarment is sought for the "heresy of privately recommending further investigations of the 2020 election."
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Clark himself has framed his departure as a voluntary transition back to private life, with a stated intention to remain active in conservative legal work. His tenure, described as brief and impactful, concludes while the legal proceedings regarding his law license are still in flux. The public visibility of OIRA has also been noted as notably opaque, with at least one observer finding no clear White House webpage for the office and a broken link intended to lead to its leadership information.