Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Reins in Government Overreach and Begins Deconstruction of Unconstitutional Administrative State
February 19, 2025
Action Summary
- Purpose: President Trump signed an Executive Order to rein in government overreach and restore the constitutional separation of powers by dismantling aspects of the administrative state.
- DOGE Deregulatory Initiative: Directs agency heads, in coordination with their Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) teams and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to review all regulations for legal consistency and cost impacts.
- Unified Agenda: Mandates the creation of an agenda to rescind and/or modify regulations that are inconsistent with law or current Administration policy.
- Enforcement Discretion: Instructs agencies to de-prioritize enforcement actions that exceed statutory authority or constitutional powers.
- Exemptions: Excludes actions related to military, national security, homeland security, foreign affairs, and immigration functions.
- Economic Rationale: Aims to reverse what is described as regulatory overreach that burdened the American people with excessive costs, exemplified by a historic $1.7 trillion imposed by the previous Administration.
- Building on Past Success: Continues the deregulatory efforts from President Trump’s first term, with the goal of improving daily life and heralding a new “Golden Age of America.”
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order’s focus on reducing federal regulations could lead to significant changes in compliance requirements for institutions like Vanderbilt University. This may necessitate a review of current policies to ensure alignment with new federal guidelines.
- There is a potential risk that the de-prioritization of enforcement actions could create uncertainty in regulatory compliance, affecting areas such as research funding, environmental standards, and educational policies.
- The emphasis on deregulation might impact federally funded programs and grants, potentially altering the financial landscape for research and development at Vanderbilt.
- Vanderbilt University may need to monitor changes in federal policies closely to adapt to any shifts in regulatory priorities that could affect its operations and strategic planning.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Research may need to reassess its compliance strategies and ensure that research activities align with the new deregulatory policies.
- The Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program could be affected by changes in environmental regulations, requiring adjustments in curriculum and research focus.
- Vanderbilt’s Legal and Compliance Office will play a crucial role in interpreting and implementing changes in federal regulations to maintain compliance and mitigate risks.
- The Financial Aid Office might need to evaluate the impact of deregulation on federal student aid programs and adjust its strategies accordingly.
Financial Impact
- The reduction in federal regulations could lead to changes in funding opportunities, particularly for research grants that are subject to federal oversight. This may require Vanderbilt to diversify its funding sources.
- Vanderbilt University might experience shifts in its financial planning and budgeting processes to accommodate potential changes in federal funding and compliance costs.
- There may be opportunities for cost savings if deregulation leads to reduced administrative burdens and compliance costs, allowing for reallocation of resources to other strategic initiatives.
- As federal regulations are modified or rescinded, there could be implications for tuition revenue and financial aid distribution, particularly if changes affect student eligibility for federal aid programs.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on funding and operations.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in federal regulations and enforcement priorities to ensure compliance and identify opportunities for advocacy. Understanding the implications of the deregulatory initiative can help the university align its policies with federal expectations.
- The Department of Political Science could conduct research on the impact of deregulation on economic growth and individual freedoms. This research can provide valuable insights into the broader societal effects of the Executive Order and position Vanderbilt as a thought leader in policy analysis.
- Vanderbilt’s Legal Affairs Office should review current university policies and procedures to ensure they are not affected by changes in federal regulations. This proactive approach will help mitigate risks associated with non-compliance.
Opportunities
- The deregulatory focus presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to develop programs and courses on regulatory compliance and management. By offering expertise in navigating a changing regulatory landscape, the school can attract students and professionals seeking to enhance their skills.
- Vanderbilt can leverage the emphasis on reducing regulatory burdens to advocate for policies that support higher education institutions. Engaging with policymakers to highlight the benefits of reduced regulatory constraints on universities could enhance Vanderbilt’s influence in shaping education policy.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with the deregulatory initiatives and capitalize on new opportunities.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A – No specific deadlines or timelines for implementation are mentioned in the text.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): Established to lead the deregulatory initiative, DOGE is responsible for coordinating with agency heads to review and adjust regulations for legal consistency and alignment with the Trump Administration’s policy.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Tasked with coordinating the effort alongside DOGE and agency heads, ensuring that regulations are examined and reformed based on cost and lawfulness.
- All Federal Agencies with Regulatory and Enforcement Functions: Every federal agency with regulatory or enforcement responsibilities must review their regulations for alignment with constitutional constraints and Presidential policy, except those with explicitly exempt functions such as military, national security, homeland security, foreign affairs, and immigration.
Relevance Score: 5 (The directive applies broadly to the vast majority of regulatory agencies across the federal government.)
Responsible Officials
- Agency Heads – Tasked with coordinating the review of regulations and ensuring they align with law and Administration policy.
- DOGE Team Leads – Collaborating with Agency Heads to evaluate and prioritize regulatory actions.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – Providing oversight and coordination to ensure consistency across agencies in implementing the directive.
Relevance Score: 4 (Directives explicitly impact agency heads and their key collaborators with significant decision-making authority.)