Initial Rescissions (E.O. 14148)

Summary

Cancels many previous executive orders to remove policies on diversity, climate, immigration, and COVID-19, aiming to restore 'common sense' to government.

What problem does this solve?

The previous administration created policies considered divisive, harmful to the economy, and dangerous, such as those promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. This order reverses those policies by revoking a long list of specific executive actions to change the direction of the federal government.

What does this order do?

Revokes dozens of executive orders

Cancels a long list of executive orders, presidential memorandums, and other actions issued by the previous administration across many policy areas.

Ends federal implementation of DEI

Directs the heads of all federal agencies to immediately stop putting into practice what it calls 'unlawful and radical DEI ideology'.

Cancels climate change policies

Revokes multiple executive orders aimed at addressing climate change, including those for protecting public health, restoring science, and promoting clean energy.

Reverses immigration enforcement policies

Revokes orders that set policies for civil immigration enforcement, managed migration throughout North and Central America, and the reunification of families.

Eliminates racial and gender equity initiatives

Cancels orders that established policies for advancing racial equity, supporting underserved communities, and preventing discrimination based on gender identity.

Requires review of all national security memoranda

Orders the National Security Advisor to conduct a full review of all National Security Memoranda from the previous four years and recommend which ones to cancel.

Requires review for more orders to cancel

Tasks top officials with finding more orders from the last administration that should be canceled to 'increase American prosperity'.

Who does this affect?

Federal government agencies and employees
Underserved and minority communities
Immigrants and asylum seekers

What is the real world impact?

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Reverses previous administration's policies

Acts as a swift and broad reversal of the prior president's agenda. It targets key policy areas like racial equity, climate change, and immigration to immediately change the federal government's direction.

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Reduces federal regulations

Aims to lessen the burden on businesses by eliminating rules related to climate change and environmental protection. The order's text mentions that 'climate extremism has exploded inflation and overburdened businesses'.

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Eliminates social and environmental protections

Cancels programs and protections related to racial equity, gender identity, and climate action. Critics may argue this dismantles important safeguards for minority groups and the environment.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately, with several reviews and reports due within 45 days.

Review of previous administration's actions

Within 45 days of January 20, 2025, top officials must give the President a list of more orders from the prior administration that should be canceled.

Review of national security memoranda

Within 45 days of January 20, 2025, the National Security Advisor must recommend to the President which National Security Memoranda should be canceled.