Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Continues the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy

March 14, 2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Objective: Eliminate waste and reduce unnecessary government overreach by streamlining federal bureaucracy.
Reduction Approach: Remove non-statutory functions and scale back statutory functions of entities not required by law.
Affected Entities: Includes the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, United States Agency for Global Media, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Institute of Museum and Library Services, United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, Minority Business Development Agency, and the Arctic Research Commission.
Budget and Efficiency Goals: Cuts aim to save taxpayer dollars, reduce waste, and minimize duplicative or ineffective programs, as identified by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Strategic Impact: Intended to return power to local communities and state governments while enhancing accountability and promoting innovation.
Complementary Actions: Builds on prior executive orders that reduced unnecessary entities and advisory committees, including the 10-to-1 deregulation initiative and the elimination of redundant programs such as the Federal Executive Institute.

Risks & Considerations

The reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy and elimination of certain governmental entities could lead to decreased federal support and resources for programs that Vanderbilt University may rely on, such as those related to research, cultural initiatives, and community development.
The focus on reducing government overreach and promoting local governance might shift responsibilities and funding to state and local levels, potentially affecting how Vanderbilt interacts with government agencies and secures funding.
The elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services could impact funding and support for Vanderbilt’s libraries and museum-related programs, affecting their operations and outreach capabilities.
Vanderbilt may need to reassess its partnerships and collaborations with federal entities that are being downsized or eliminated, potentially seeking new alliances or funding sources.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt Libraries might face challenges in securing federal grants and support due to the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The Office of Federal Relations may need to adjust its strategies to navigate the changing landscape of federal support and advocacy.
Research Centers at Vanderbilt that rely on federal funding from affected agencies may need to explore alternative funding sources or adjust their research focus.
The Community Engagement Office could see changes in how it collaborates with local and state governments, as power and responsibilities shift away from federal entities.

Financial Impact

The reduction in federal bureaucracy could lead to decreased funding opportunities for programs and initiatives that Vanderbilt University participates in or benefits from.
Vanderbilt may need to increase its efforts in securing state and local funding as federal support diminishes, potentially affecting its financial planning and resource allocation.
There could be increased competition for remaining federal funds, necessitating more strategic and competitive grant applications from Vanderbilt.
The university might need to invest in building stronger relationships with state and local governments to ensure continued support and collaboration.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential shifts in funding and partnerships.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in federal funding and support for programs related to the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Understanding these changes will help the university adapt to potential shifts in research funding and collaboration opportunities.
The Department of Political Science should analyze the impact of reduced federal bureaucracy on state and local governance. This research can provide insights into how power shifts to local communities might affect policy implementation and public administration.
Vanderbilt’s Financial Planning Office should assess the potential financial implications of reduced federal spending on programs that may indirectly affect university funding or partnerships. This will be crucial for strategic financial planning and maintaining fiscal stability.
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship should explore opportunities for innovation and efficiency in response to the federal government’s emphasis on reducing waste and promoting innovation. This could include developing new partnerships or initiatives that align with federal priorities.

Opportunities

The executive order’s focus on reducing government overreach presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to engage in research and dialogue on the legal implications of deregulation and the constitutional separation of powers. This can enhance the university’s role as a thought leader in legal and governmental studies.
By aligning with the federal government’s push for innovation, Vanderbilt’s Research Centers can position themselves to secure funding for projects that demonstrate clear benefits and efficiency improvements. This proactive approach can enhance the university’s research profile and funding opportunities.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to potential impacts on funding and research opportunities.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.8

Timeline for Implementation

N/A: No specific directive or timeline was mentioned in the Executive Order.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service: Subject to elimination as part of reducing non-statutory federal functions.
United States Agency for Global Media: Targeted for reduction in statutory functions in line with cost-saving measures.
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars: Identified as an unnecessary entity whose functions are being minimized.
Institute of Museum and Library Services: Impacted by the reduction of non-essential federal roles.
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness: Its functions are being pared down to only what is required by law.
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund: Included among agencies whose roles are being minimized or eliminated.
Minority Business Development Agency: Affected by directives to reduce federal overreach and streamline governmental functions.
Arctic Research Commission: Listed as an agency targeted for reduction as part of the broader efficiency initiative.
Federal Executive Institute: Explicitly eliminated in the effort to drain inefficiencies within the federal bureaucracy.

Relevance Score: 3 (Between 6 and 10 federal agencies are directly impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

N/A – The text does not identify any specific individual or official by title as being responsible for implementing the directives; rather, it outlines policy changes and lists affected agencies without naming the executing authority.

Relevance Score: 4 (The directives impact agency heads by mandating the elimination and restructuring of entire governmental entities.)