Revocation of Executive Order on Competition

8/13/2025

Action Summary

  • Revocation of Previous Order: Cancels Executive Order 14036 (Promoting Competition in the American Economy) issued on July 9, 2021.
  • Legal Authority: Executed under the authority provided by the U.S. Constitution and federal laws.
  • General Provisions:
    • No Impairment of Existing Powers: The revocation does not limit the statutory authority of executive agencies or affect the functions of the Office of Management and Budget.
    • Implementation Conditions: Must be applied in accordance with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    • No Enforceable Rights: Does not create any legally enforceable rights or benefits for any party against the United States or its representatives.
  • Publication Costs: The Department of Justice will bear the costs associated with publishing the order.

Risks & Considerations

  • The revocation of Executive Order 14036, which was aimed at promoting competition in the American economy, may lead to reduced regulatory oversight in certain sectors. This could result in less competitive practices, potentially affecting market dynamics and consumer choices.
  • For Vanderbilt University, the revocation might impact research opportunities related to economic competition and antitrust policies. The university may need to adjust its research focus or seek alternative funding sources for projects previously aligned with the goals of the revoked order.
  • The change could also influence the broader economic environment, potentially affecting industries that collaborate with Vanderbilt, such as healthcare, technology, and education sectors, which may experience shifts in competitive practices.
  • Vanderbilt’s policy and law programs might need to update their curricula to reflect changes in federal competition policy, ensuring that students are prepared for the evolving legal landscape.

Impacted Programs

  • Vanderbilt Law School may need to revise its courses on antitrust law and economic policy to align with the new regulatory environment following the revocation.
  • The Owen Graduate School of Management could see changes in its business strategy and economics courses, as the revocation may alter competitive strategies in various industries.
  • Research Centers focused on economic policy and competition might need to seek new funding opportunities or pivot their research agendas to remain relevant and impactful.

Financial Impact

  • The revocation could lead to changes in federal funding priorities, potentially affecting grants and contracts related to competition and economic policy research.
  • Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding sources for research initiatives that were previously aligned with the objectives of Executive Order 14036.
  • There could be indirect financial impacts on industries that partner with Vanderbilt, as changes in competition policy may influence their business operations and investment strategies.

Relevance Score: 3 (The revocation presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential shifts in research focus.)

Key Actions

  • Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor any changes in federal competition policies that may arise from the revocation of Executive Order 14036. Understanding the implications of this revocation on research funding and collaborations with federal agencies will be crucial for strategic planning.
  • The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy could explore the broader impacts of this revocation on economic policies and public discourse. By analyzing these changes, the project can provide insights into how shifts in competition policy might affect national unity and economic equity.
  • Vanderbilt’s Law School should consider conducting research on the legal implications of the revocation, particularly how it might influence antitrust laws and regulations. This research could position the Law School as a thought leader in the evolving landscape of competition law.
  • The Owen Graduate School of Management should assess the potential impacts on business practices and market dynamics. By understanding these changes, the school can adapt its curriculum to better prepare students for the evolving business environment.

Opportunities

  • The revocation of the executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Economics Department to study the effects of reduced federal intervention in market competition. This research could contribute to academic discourse and inform policymakers on the benefits and drawbacks of such policy shifts.
  • Vanderbilt can leverage this policy change to strengthen partnerships with private sector entities that may benefit from reduced regulatory constraints. By fostering these relationships, the university can enhance its research capabilities and expand its influence in the business community.

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

Average Relevance Score: 2.6

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – No specific timeline or deadline for implementation was provided in this Executive Order; its provisions are effective upon issuance.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

  • Department of Justice: This order specifies that the costs of its publication will be borne by the Department of Justice, thereby directly involving this department.
  • Office of Management and Budget (OMB): The order explicitly notes that nothing in it will affect the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget with respect to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only two federal agencies are directly mentioned in the order.)

Responsible Officials

  • Department of Justice – Responsible for bearing the costs associated with the publication of this order.

Relevance Score: 5 (The directive impacts a Cabinet-level agency head by assigning a specific financial responsibility.)