White House – Executive Orders

White House Presidential Actions – official White House website

  • Restoring America’s Fighting Force – 1/27/2025
    The executive order issued on January 27, 2025, aims to eliminate race-based and sex-based discrimination within the U.S. Armed Forces by abolishing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The order mandates the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to remove DEI offices and any related initiatives, conduct internal reviews of DEI-related actions, and ensure that no divisive concepts or gender ideologies are promoted. The goal is to restore meritocracy and unit cohesion, emphasizing that no individual or group should be preferred or disadvantaged based on race, sex, ethnicity, color, or creed.
  • Memorandum for the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Administrator of the United States for International Development – 1/24/2025
    On January 24, 2025, a Presidential Memorandum was issued to revoke the 2021 memorandum on protecting women’s health and reinstate the 2017 Mexico City Policy. This policy directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars do not fund organizations involved in coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. The Secretary of State is also tasked with extending these requirements to global health assistance across all departments and agencies, and to publish the memorandum in the Federal Register.
  • Enforcing the Hyde Amendment – 1/24/2025
    On January 24, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order was issued to enforce the Hyde Amendment, which prevents Federal funding of elective abortions. The order revokes previous executive orders that allowed taxpayer funding for elective abortions and directs the Office of Management and Budget to provide guidance for implementing this policy. The order emphasizes that American taxpayers should not be forced to fund elective abortions, aligning with the longstanding consensus reflected in the Hyde Amendment.
  • Emergency Measures to Provide Water Resources in California and Improve Disaster Response in Certain Areas – 1/24/2025
    On January 24, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order was issued to provide emergency water resources in California and improve disaster response. The order directs Federal agencies to ensure adequate water resources in Southern California, override state policies that hinder water delivery, and expedite actions under the Endangered Species Act. It also mandates a review of Federal programs impacting land and water management, and disaster preparedness. Additionally, the order includes measures to assist families displaced by wildfires in Los Angeles and Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, focusing on housing relief, waste removal, and infrastructure repair.
  • Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence – 1/23/2025
    On January 23, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order was issued to remove barriers to American leadership in artificial intelligence (AI). The order aims to sustain and enhance the United States’ global AI dominance by developing unbiased AI systems and revoking previous policies that hinder innovation. It mandates the creation of an action plan to achieve these goals and requires a review of existing AI-related policies to ensure alignment with the new directive. The order emphasizes the importance of AI in promoting human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security.
  • President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology – 1/23/2025
    On January 23, 2025, a Presidential order established the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) to guide American leadership in science and technology. The council, composed of up to 24 members from academia, industry, and government, will advise the President on science, technology, education, and innovation policy. The PCAST aims to harness American innovation to maintain global technological dominance and address challenges posed by ideological dogmas that threaten scientific progress. The council will meet regularly, solicit input from various stakeholders, and provide advice on classified matters when necessary. The order also revokes previous executive orders related to PCAST.
  • Designation of Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization – 1/22/2025
    On January 22, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order was issued to designate Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The order outlines the Houthis’ threats to U.S. personnel, regional partners, and global maritime trade, supported by Iran’s IRGC-QF. It mandates cooperation with regional partners to eliminate the Houthis’ capabilities and resources. The Secretary of State is directed to submit a report and take appropriate action for the designation, while USAID is tasked with reviewing and terminating projects linked to Ansar Allah. The order emphasizes the importance of protecting U.S. interests and security in the Middle East.
  • Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity – 1/21/2025
    On January 21, 2025, a Presidential order was issued to end illegal discrimination and restore merit-based opportunities. The order emphasizes the enforcement of longstanding Federal civil-rights laws that protect individuals from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It mandates the termination of discriminatory DEI and DEIA policies across all executive departments and agencies, revokes several previous executive orders, and streamlines the Federal contracting process to ensure compliance with civil-rights laws. The order also directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Education to issue guidance to educational institutions on compliance with civil-rights laws and encourages the private sector to end illegal DEI discrimination and preferences.
  • Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing – 1/20/2025
    On January 20, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order was issued to end radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferences. The order mandates the termination of all discriminatory DEI and DEIA policies across the Federal Government, including the elimination of related offices and positions. It directs the Office of Management and Budget, the Attorney General, and the Office of Personnel Management to coordinate these efforts and ensure Federal employment practices reward individual merit. The order also requires agencies to report on DEI-related expenditures and impacts, and to align their programs with the policy of equal dignity and respect for all Americans.
  • Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government – 1/20/2025
    On January 20, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order was issued to defend women from gender ideology extremism and restore biological truth in Federal Government policies. The order mandates that Federal policies and documents recognize only two immutable sexes, male and female, and directs agencies to enforce sex-based rights and protections. It requires the removal of gender ideology from Federal policies, documents, and funding, and ensures that government-issued identification reflects biological sex. The order also revokes previous executive orders related to gender identity and mandates the protection of single-sex spaces and the accurate representation of sex in all Federal activities.
  • Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid – 1/20/2025
    On January 20, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order was issued to reevaluate and realign United States foreign aid. The order mandates a 90-day pause on new obligations and disbursements of foreign development assistance funds to assess programmatic efficiencies and alignment with U.S. foreign policy. Reviews will be conducted by department and agency heads, with determinations made on whether to continue, modify, or cease each program. The order emphasizes that U.S. foreign assistance must fully align with the President’s foreign policy and allows for the resumption of funding if programs are deemed consistent with this policy. The Secretary of State may waive the pause for specific programs.
  • Protecting the American People Against Invasion – 1/20/2025
    On January 20, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order was issued to protect against illegal immigration by enforcing immigration laws, prioritizing the removal of aliens who threaten national security and public safety, and revoking previous related orders. It establishes Homeland Security Task Forces, emphasizes cooperation with local law enforcement, and includes measures to stop child trafficking and smuggling. The order also mandates a review of Federal funding and the hiring of more agents to enforce these laws.
  • Unleashing American Energy – 1/20/2025
    On January 20, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order was issued to unleash American energy by removing burdensome regulations and promoting energy exploration on Federal lands and waters. The order aims to restore economic prosperity, strengthen national security, and ensure reliable and affordable energy. It revokes several previous climate-related executive orders, mandates a review of agency actions that hinder energy development, and emphasizes efficient permitting processes. The order also eliminates the electric vehicle mandate, promotes consumer choice, disbands the Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases, and terminates the Green New Deal. Additionally, it directs the review of mineral policies to restore America’s mineral dominance and protect national security.
  • Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements – 1/20/2025
    On January 20, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order was issued to prioritize American interests in international environmental agreements. The order mandates the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and other related commitments, ceases financial contributions under these agreements, and revokes the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan. It emphasizes that international agreements should not burden the U.S. economy and directs agencies to prioritize economic efficiency, American prosperity, and fiscal restraint in international energy policy engagements. The order also requires reports on actions taken to align with these policies.
  • America First Trade Policy – 1/20/2025
    On January 20, 2025, a Presidential Memorandum was issued to establish an America First trade policy. This policy aims to promote investment, productivity, and economic and national security by addressing unfair trade practices, reducing trade deficits, and enhancing the U.S. industrial and technological base. The memorandum directs various departments to investigate and recommend measures to counter unfair trade practices, currency manipulation, and other issues. It also emphasizes the importance of bilateral trade agreements, reviews existing trade agreements, and assesses economic and security relations with China. Additionally, it calls for a review of export controls, intellectual property rights, and the impact of foreign government subsidies on U.S. procurement programs.
  • Regulatory Freeze Pending Review – 1/20/2025
    On January 20, 2025, a Presidential Memorandum was issued to implement a regulatory freeze pending review. This order requires all executive departments and agencies to halt the proposal or issuance of new rules until reviewed and approved by a department or agency head appointed by the President. It also mandates the withdrawal of rules sent to the Office of the Federal Register but not yet published, and the postponement of the effective date for published rules for 60 days to allow for review. The Office of Management and Budget will oversee the implementation of this memorandum, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and executive orders.
  • Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions – 1/20/2025
    On January 20, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order was issued to rescind numerous executive orders and actions from the previous administration. The order aims to eliminate policies deemed inflationary, illegal, and radical, particularly those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), climate regulations, and immigration. It mandates the immediate cessation of these policies and directs agency heads to review and replace them with actions that promote American prosperity and security. The order also calls for a thorough review of national security memoranda issued between January 2021 and January 2025.
  • Withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization – 1/20/2025
    On January 20, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order was issued to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The order cites the WHO’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to adopt necessary reforms, and disproportionate financial demands on the U.S. as reasons for withdrawal. It revokes the previous administration’s retraction of the withdrawal notice, pauses U.S. funding to the WHO, and recalls U.S. personnel working with the organization. The order also directs the Secretary of State to cease negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations.
  • Organization of the National Security Council and Subcommittees – 1/20/2025
    On January 20, 2025, a Presidential Memorandum reorganized the National Security Council (NSC) and its subcommittees to enhance decision-making for national and homeland security. The President chairs the NSC, with the National Security Advisor setting agendas. The Principals Committee and Deputies Committee were established as senior interagency forums for policy issues, with the latter chaired by the Principal Deputy National Security Advisor. The memorandum also created Policy Coordination Committees to manage interagency coordination, emphasizing adaptive and comprehensive structures to address complex security threats.
  • Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship – 1/20/2025
    On January 20, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order was issued to restore freedom of speech and end Federal censorship. The order emphasizes the protection of constitutionally protected speech and prohibits Federal officers, employees, or agents from engaging in or facilitating censorship. It mandates an investigation into past government actions that infringed on free speech and requires recommendations for remedial actions. The order aims to ensure that no taxpayer resources are used to suppress speech and to correct any past misconduct related to censorship.
  • President Trump’s America First Priorities – 1/20/2025
    President Trump’s “America First Priorities” announced on January 20, 2025, focus on securing the border, enhancing national security, and reforming government bureaucracy. Key actions include ending catch-and-release policies, reinstating Remain in Mexico, building the wall, and deploying the Armed Forces for border security. The plan also emphasizes energy independence by reversing climate policies, reducing regulatory burdens, and withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord. Additionally, Trump aims to reform the federal workforce, end DEI initiatives, and promote American values by recognizing biological realities and protecting historical landmarks.