The U.S. Small Business Administration on 26 Aug. instructed about 5,000 banks and other lenders in its nationwide network to end what it called “political debanking” and to reopen accounts that had been closed without lawful cause. In letters signed by Administrator Kelly, the agency also demanded data on past account closures that may have targeted customers on ideological grounds. The move implements an executive order President Donald Trump issued earlier this year directing regulators to guarantee “fair banking for all Americans.” Supporters of the action say it responds to concerns that prior administrations encouraged financial institutions to curtail services to certain industries or individuals, a practice critics label debanking. Industry groups and banking regulators had not immediately commented on the SBA’s directive. The agency did not specify a deadline for lenders to report the requested information or restore affected accounts.