Trump Issues Executive Order Expanding Regulatory Rollback

On January 31, former President Donald Trump issued a “massive” executive order (EO) aimed at dramatically reducing federal regulations. The order requires federal agencies to repeal ten existing regulations, rules, or guidance documents for every new one they issue—an expansion of the “two-for-one” regulatory rollback he implemented during his first term.

Beyond the repeal mandate, the EO imposes strict limitations on agencies’ rulemaking authority. It prohibits agencies from issuing rules or guidance not listed on the Unified Regulatory Agenda and directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure that total regulatory costs for fiscal year (FY) 2025 are “significantly less than zero.” Additionally, the EO establishes a framework for future fiscal years, capping agencies at predetermined cost limits when issuing or repealing regulations.