Initial Rescissions Of Harmful Executive Orders And Actions

January 20, 2025

Presidential Actions

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Action Summary

Purpose and Policy: Reverse what is described as unpopular, inflationary, and illegal policies from the previous administration, particularly targeting the incorporation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in federal institutions, border policies, and climate regulations.
Revocations:
- Rescission of a wide range of executive orders and presidential memoranda issued between January 2021 and January 2025, including those focused on racial equity, COVID-19 response, immigration, climate, and public health.
- Specific cancellation of orders related to advancing DEI initiatives, environmental and climate measures, immigration reform, and numerous other policies perceived as detrimental to American prosperity and security.
Implementation Measures:
- Agency heads are directed to immediately end federal implementation of the rescinded DEI policies and other reversed actions.
- The Directors of the Domestic Policy Council (DPC) and National Economic Council (NEC) will review and report on further orders and policies to be rescinded or replaced within 45 days.
- The National Security Advisor (NSA) is tasked with reviewing all National Security Memoranda from January 2021 to January 2025 and recommending further rescissions if deemed harmful.
General Provisions:
- Clarifies that the order does not diminish the lawful authority of executive departments or affect roles related to budgetary and administrative proposals.
- Emphasizes that the order is subject to applicable law and appropriations and does not create enforceable legal rights or benefits for any party.

Risks & Considerations

The revocation of executive orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could impact Vanderbilt University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. This may require the university to reassess its DEI initiatives and policies to ensure they align with federal guidelines while maintaining its institutional values.
The removal of orders addressing climate change and environmental justice may affect research funding and partnerships related to sustainability and environmental sciences. Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding sources or adjust its research priorities in these areas.
Changes in immigration policies and the revocation of orders supporting legal immigration systems could impact the university’s international student population and faculty recruitment. This may necessitate adjustments in admissions strategies and support services for international students and staff.
The rescission of orders related to COVID-19 response and public health could influence the university’s health and safety protocols, requiring updates to ensure compliance with new federal guidelines.
Vanderbilt’s educational programs, particularly those focused on public policy, law, and social sciences, may need to adapt curricula to reflect the shifting political landscape and policy priorities.

Impacted Programs

Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion may need to reassess its strategies and initiatives to align with the new federal stance on DEI while continuing to promote an inclusive campus culture.
Vanderbilt Law School could see increased demand for expertise in immigration law and policy, as well as environmental law, given the changes in federal policies.
Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment may need to adjust its research focus and funding strategies in response to the revocation of climate-related executive orders.
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services might need to enhance support for international students and faculty affected by changes in immigration policies.

Financial Impact

The potential reduction in federal support for DEI and climate-related initiatives could impact funding opportunities for related research and programs at Vanderbilt.
Changes in immigration policies may affect the university’s revenue from international student tuition and fees, necessitating adjustments in financial planning and recruitment strategies.
Vanderbilt may need to allocate additional resources to ensure compliance with new federal health and safety guidelines, impacting operational budgets.
Opportunities for federal grants and partnerships in areas such as public health, environmental science, and social justice may shift, requiring strategic realignment to secure funding.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion should assess the impact of the revocation of Executive Orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on its programs and initiatives. This assessment will help determine necessary adjustments to maintain the university’s commitment to DEI principles.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in federal policies regarding climate and environmental regulations, as these could affect research funding and compliance requirements for university projects.
Vanderbilt’s Health and Safety Office should review the implications of the revocation of COVID-19 related executive orders on campus health protocols and ensure alignment with new federal guidelines.
The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the broader implications of the rescinded executive orders on American society and governance. This research can provide valuable insights for policy advocacy and public discourse.
Vanderbilt’s Legal Affairs Office should evaluate the potential legal implications of the executive order’s revocations on university operations and ensure compliance with any new federal regulations.

Opportunities

The revocation of climate-related executive orders presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science Department to engage in research and advocacy for sustainable practices and policies. This can position the university as a leader in environmental innovation and policy development.
The focus on restoring common sense to federal governance offers Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies an opportunity to contribute to the national conversation on effective governance and policy reform through research and public engagement.
The emphasis on unleashing the potential of American citizens aligns with Vanderbilt’s mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. The university can expand its programs to support student and faculty initiatives that drive economic and social progress.

Relevance Score: 4 (The executive order necessitates major process changes due to its impact on DEI initiatives, environmental policies, and health protocols.)

Average Relevance Score: 4.6

Timeline for Implementation

Immediate: Agency heads must take immediate steps to end Federal implementation of unlawful and radical DEI ideology.
Within 45 days: The Directors of the Domestic Policy Council (DPC) and the National Economic Council (NEC) shall submit an additional list of orders, memoranda, and proclamations to the President.
Within 45 days: The National Security Advisor (NSA) shall recommend to the President which National Security Memoranda should be rescinded.

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

All Federal Agencies: Every agency is directed to cease implementing “unlawful and radical DEI ideology,” meaning that the entire Federal Government is impacted.
Domestic Policy Council (DPC): Tasked with reviewing and recommending rescissions of policies implemented under previous orders.
National Economic Council (NEC): Charged alongside the DPC with reviewing Federal actions and proposing necessary amendments or rescissions.
National Security Advisor’s Office: Instructed to conduct a comprehensive review of all National Security Memoranda from January 20, 2021, through January 20, 2025, to assess national security impacts.
Department of Agriculture: Referenced in Executive Order 14134 regarding an order of succession.
Department of Homeland Security: Referenced in Executive Order 14135 regarding an order of succession.
Department of Justice: Referenced in Executive Order 14136 regarding an order of succession.
Department of the Treasury: Referenced in Executive Order 14137 regarding an order of succession.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Mentioned in relation to succession and budgetary functions that remain unaffected by this order.
Office of the National Cyber Director: Referenced in Executive Order 14138 regarding an order of succession.
Council on Environmental Quality: Designated officials are appointed to serve as chairman as per the January 3, 2025 memorandum.
Office of Personnel Management (OPM): Designated officials are directed to act as Director according to the January 3, 2025 memorandum.
Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): Designated officials are directed to act as Director as per the January 3, 2025 memorandum.
United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM): Designated in the January 3, 2025 memorandum to act as Chief Executive Officer.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID): Designated in the January 3, 2025 memorandum to act as Administrator.
United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC): Designated in the January 3, 2025 memorandum to act as Chief Executive Officer.

Relevance Score: 5 (The directive impacts a large number of Federal entities and key executive offices across the entire government.)

Responsible Officials

Heads of Each Federal Agency – Tasked with immediately ending the implementation of rescinded policies, they are responsible for executing the order at the highest agency level.
Director of the Domestic Policy Council (DPC) – Charged with reviewing and amending Federal actions associated with the rescinded orders and submitting a follow-up list to the President within 45 days.
Director of the National Economic Council (NEC) – Jointly responsible with the DPC Director for reviewing related Federal actions and recommending necessary changes within the prescribed timeframe.
National Security Advisor (NSA) – Appointed to conduct a comprehensive review of National Security Memoranda to assess their impact on national security and other critical areas, with recommendations due within 45 days.

Relevance Score: 5 (Impacts White House and Cabinet-level officials as well as agency heads, demonstrating a high level of strategic influence.)