On February 19, 2025, President Donald Trump took another step toward reducing government overreach by signing an executive order directing agency heads to collaborate with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in reviewing all federal regulations.
This order aims to create a leaner, more effective government by eliminating excessive regulations that burden businesses and hinder economic growth.
What the Order Means?
This directive requires federal agencies to work closely with DOGE and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to assess and revise existing regulations. The key focus is on eliminating rules that:
- Impose high costs without clear public benefits.
- Extend beyond the constitutional scope of federal authority.
- Hinder national security interests.
- Are based on unlawful delegations of legislative power.
Additionally, agencies have been instructed to deprioritize enforcement actions that exceed federal powers, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to restoring constitutional checks and balances.
Certain functions, such as military operations, national security, homeland security, foreign affairs, and immigration, will remain exempt from the review process, ensuring that critical national priorities are not disrupted.
Potential Positive Outcomes of Trump’s Order
- Boosted Economic Growth: By eliminating overly burdensome regulations, businesses—particularly small enterprises—may experience lower compliance costs and greater flexibility, leading to job creation and increased investment.
- Enhanced Government Efficiency: By streamlining regulatory processes and cutting red tape, government agencies can focus on essential functions rather than enforcing outdated or unnecessary rules.
- Stronger Constitutional Governance: The order emphasizes restoring the separation of powers, ensuring that agencies do not overstep their authority, thereby reinforcing democratic principles.
- Improved National Competitiveness: A reduced regulatory burden can make the U.S. a more attractive destination for business and investment, fostering innovation and global economic leadership.
- More Transparent and Accountable Regulation: The review process, which includes oversight from DOGE and OMB, ensures that new regulations are necessary and justified, preventing unnecessary bureaucratic expansion.
A Pivotal Shift in Governance
This executive order marks a significant moment in Trump’s second term, reinforcing his legacy of prioritizing deregulation and government efficiency. By requiring agencies to justify existing regulations and align them with constitutional principles, this move could lead to long-term benefits for businesses, taxpayers, and the broader economy.
While critics may argue that deregulation could remove essential protections, supporters see this as a necessary correction to decades of regulatory excess. Whether this approach proves to be a game-changer for the economy and governance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Trump administration is doubling down on its commitment to reducing federal overreach and fostering a more efficient government.