2025 Executive Orders Explained

I know that there is a lot of information flying around, but I wanted to make a series with a brief summary of all that is going on right now. As such, here is a breakdown of the first day of Executive Orders.

EO 14147: Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government 1/20/25

This executive order directs a review of past actions by federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, alleging that the previous administration misused their powers to target political opponents. It calls for an investigation into instances of "weaponization" of government agencies, including law enforcement actions and intelligence operations, over the past four years. The Attorney General and Director of National Intelligence are tasked with reviewing and reporting on any misconduct. The order also emphasizes compliance with document-retention policies and legal obligations.

EO 14148: Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions1/20/25

This executive order revokes numerous policies and executive actions from the previous administration. It specifically targets initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), climate policies, immigration, COVID-19 response, and regulatory oversight. Federal agencies are directed to end DEI implementation and review past policies for repeal or replacement. The National Security Advisor must assess national security policies from the prior administration for potential rescission.

EO 14149: Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship 1/20/25

This executive order asserts that the previous administration violated First Amendment rights by pressuring social media companies to censor speech under the pretense of combating misinformation. It establishes a policy to “protect free speech,” prohibiting federal agencies from engaging in censorship and using taxpayer resources for such actions. The Attorney General is tasked with investigating past government censorship and recommending corrective actions.

EO 14150: America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State 1/20/25

This executive order mandates that U.S. foreign policy prioritize “core” American interests and “core” citizens. It directs the Secretary of State to align the Department of State’s policies, programs, and operations with this approach as soon as feasible.

EO 14151: Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing 1/20/25

This executive order directs the termination of all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, mandates, and positions. It asserts that DEI initiatives under the Biden Administration led to discrimination and wasteful spending. The order instructs federal agencies to eliminate DEI offices, grants, and training requirements, and to review employment and contracting policies to prioritize merit-based performance. Agencies must report on past DEI-related expenditures and their impact. A monthly review process will track progress and ensure compliance. The order also includes provisions to prevent legal challenges from affecting its overall implementation.

EO 14152: Holding Former Government Officials Accountable for Election Interference and Improper Disclosure of Sensitive Government Information 1/20/25

This executive order revokes the security clearances of 50 former intelligence officials and John R. Bolton. It accuses them of political interference in the 2020 election by discrediting reports about Hunter Biden’s laptop and improperly leveraging their intelligence credentials. The order also criticizes Bolton for publishing a memoir with sensitive national security details. It mandates a report within 90 days on further Intelligence Community misconduct related to election influence and recommendations to prevent future political misuse of intelligence resources.

EO14153: Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential 1/20/25

This executive order seeks to maximize Alaska's natural resource development—energy, minerals, timber, and seafood—by reversing restrictive policies from 2021–2025, expediting permits, and prioritizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. It directs federal agencies to revoke or amend regulations hindering development, reinstate oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, support infrastructure projects, and align federal land policies with state priorities. Temporary moratoriums will allow reassessment of environmental restrictions, ensuring policies promote economic growth, job creation, and national security.

EO14154: Unleashing American Energy 1/20/25

This executive order seeks to remove regulatory barriers and promote domestic energy production to strengthen the economy and national security. It prioritizes energy exploration on federal lands, the development of critical minerals, and deregulation to lower consumer costs. The order revokes previous climate-focused policies, eliminates the electric vehicle mandate, and reduces restrictions on household appliances. It also streamlines permitting processes, disbands climate-related initiatives, halts funding for clean energy programs, and promotes fossil fuel exports. Additionally, it aims to restore U.S. mineral dominance by reducing regulatory burdens on mining and reassessing public land withdrawals.

EO14155: Withdrawing the United States From the World Health Organization 1/20/24

This executive order directs the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing concerns over the organization's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to reform, political influence, and disproportionate financial contributions by the U.S. Key actions include revoking prior executive orders that reinstated WHO membership, pausing U.S. funding, recalling personnel, and seeking alternative health partners. The Secretary of State is instructed to notify the UN and WHO leadership, halt negotiations on international health agreements, and ensure the transition of global health responsibilities

EO 14156: Declaring a National Energy Emergency 1/20/25

This executive order declares a national energy emergency, citing inadequate domestic energy infrastructure and reliance on foreign sources as threats to national security and economic stability. It directs federal agencies to use emergency powers to expedite energy production, refining, transportation, and infrastructure development, including on federal lands. Measures include emergency fuel waivers, expedited permitting processes, and regulatory reviews under environmental laws. The order prioritizes energy security, particularly in the Northeast and West Coast, and mandates assessments of vulnerabilities in energy supply for defense operations. It also invokes military construction authority to address infrastructure deficiencies.

EO 14157: Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorist 1/20/25

This executive order establishes a process for designating international cartels and transnational criminal organizations, such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) or Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) under U.S. law. Citing their violent tactics, territorial control, and threats to U.S. security, the order declares a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Within 14 days, federal agencies must recommend designations and prepare for potential actions under the Alien Enemies Act, including expedited removal of designated individuals. The order aims to eliminate these organizations' presence and influence while ensuring compliance with existing laws and resources.

EO 14158: Establishing and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” 1/20/25

This Executive Order establishes the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to modernize federal technology and improve governmental operations. It renames the United States Digital Service (USDS) and creates a temporary U.S. DOGE Service Organization for an 18-month initiative ending July 4, 2026. Agencies must form DOGE Teams to coordinate with USDS on a Software Modernization Initiative, enhancing IT efficiency, system interoperability, and data security. Agencies must grant USDS full access to unclassified records while ensuring data protection. The order overrides conflicting executive orders and depends on legal consistency and available funding.

EO 14159: Protecting the American People Against Invasion 1/20/25

This Executive Order prioritizes strict enforcement of U.S. immigration laws to protect national security, public safety, and economic well-being. It revokes prior immigration policies, establishes Homeland Security Task Forces, and directs agencies to identify and remove inadmissible aliens, dismantle criminal smuggling networks, and increase border security efforts. The order also expands detention facilities, enhances fines and penalties for illegal entry, limits public benefits for unauthorized immigrants, and empowers state and local law enforcement to aid federal immigration enforcement. Additionally, it reestablishes the VOICE office to support victims of crimes committed by removable aliens and sanctions countries that refuse to repatriate their nationals. The Attorney General and DHS must audit and halt federal funding to organizations aiding illegal immigrants while increasing hiring of immigration officers. This order aims to restore lawful immigration processes and strengthen border security through aggressive enforcement measures.

EO 14160: Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship 1/20/25

This Executive Order restricts birthright citizenship by clarifying that children born in the U.S. will not automatically receive citizenship if their mother was unlawfully present or in the U.S. on a temporary visa at the time of birth, and their father was neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident. It directs federal agencies to deny citizenship documentation to such individuals and mandates agencies to align their policies with this directive.

EO 14161: Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats 1/20/25

This Executive Order strengthens immigration vetting and screening to prevent the entry of terrorists and other national security threats into the United States. It directs federal agencies to enhance visa screening, identify high-risk countries, and assess whether visa programs are exploited by hostile actors. Agencies must also evaluate all existing regulations related to inadmissibility, implement stricter refugee identification processes, and recommend additional actions to protect American constitutional rights from foreign influence. The Secretary of Homeland Security is required to immediately remove identified threats, unless doing so would interfere with a major investigation. This order prioritizes assimilation efforts for lawful immigrants and ensures national security interests guide immigration policy.

EO 14162: Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements. 1/20/25

This Executive Order withdraws the United States from the Paris Agreement and any related United Nations climate commitments, citing concerns that such agreements unfairly burden the U.S. economy and misallocate taxpayer funds. It halts all financial commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and revokes the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan. Agencies must rescind policies supporting international climate finance and prioritize economic efficiency and American prosperity in energy-related foreign agreements. The order ensures that future environmental agreements align with U.S. economic interests while maintaining a balanced approach to environmental protection and energy development.

EO 14163: Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program 1/20/25

This Executive Order suspends the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) starting January 27, 2025, citing concerns over public safety, national security, resource allocation, and assimilation challenges. Refugee admissions may only occur on a case-by-case basis if deemed in the national interest. The order also grants state and local governments more involvement in refugee resettlement decisions. The Secretary of Homeland Security must review existing laws to promote state and local participation and submit 90-day reports on whether resuming refugee admissions aligns with U.S. interests. Additionally, Executive Order 14013 (which expanded refugee resettlement programs) is revoked.

EO 14164: Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety 1/20/25

This Executive Order reinforces the use of capital punishment, directing the Attorney General to pursue the death penalty for severe crimes, especially for murder of law enforcement officers and crimes committed by illegal immigrants. It reverses the federal moratorium on executions, ensures states have necessary resources for lethal injections, and seeks to overturn Supreme Court rulings that limit capital punishment. The order also reviews the conditions of inmates whose federal death sentences were commuted and encourages state prosecutors to pursue capital charges aggressively. Additionally, it prioritizes the prosecution of violent and transnational crimes to enhance public safety.

EO 14165: Securing Our Borders 1/20/25

This Executive Order strengthens border security and immigration enforcement by deploying personnel, constructing physical barriers, and ending catch-and-release policies. It mandates the detention and swift removal of illegal entrants, prioritizes prosecution of human smuggling and trafficking, and resumes the Migrant Protection Protocols to return migrants to their country of origin while awaiting asylum hearings. It also halts parole programs that facilitate entry, requires DNA and identity verification for detained aliens, and enhances international cooperation on border security. The Attorney General and DHS must recommend additional measures within 14 days to further secure the southern border and prevent illegal immigration.

EO 14166: Application of Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act to TikTok 1/20/25

This Executive Order delays enforcement of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act for 75 days, allowing the administration time to assess national security risks and negotiate a resolution regarding TikTok, which is controlled by China-based ByteDance Ltd.. The Act prohibits distribution, maintenance, or updates of such applications in the U.S., but the order prevents the Department of Justice from enforcing it during the delay. The Attorney General must issue guidance ensuring that no entity faces penalties for noncompliance during this period. Additionally, the Attorney General is directed to prevent state or private enforcement of the Act, preserving the Executive’s authority over national security matters.

EO 14167: Clarifying the Military’s Role in Protecting the Territorial Integrity of the United States 1/20/25

This Executive Order directs the U.S. Armed Forces, particularly U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), to prioritize border security and defend national sovereignty against threats such as mass unlawful migration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. It declares a National Emergency at the southern border and orders the Secretary of Defense to revise military plans within 10 days to include sealing the border and repelling invasions. USNORTHCOM must develop contingency and campaign plans for continuous border security operations and conduct ongoing assessments of threats from foreign nations and transnational criminal organizations. The order reinforces the military’s historical role in protecting U.S. borders while ensuring actions align with legal and budgetary constraints.

EO 14168: Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government 1/20/25

This Executive Order reaffirms the binary definition of sex in federal policy, requiring all agencies to recognize biological sex (male and female) as immutable and distinct from gender identity. It rescinds prior federal policies that incorporated gender ideology and prohibits federal funds from promoting such concepts. The order mandates that government-issued documents, agency policies, and legal interpretations reflect sex-based definitions. It bars males from female-only spaces such as prisons, shelters, and bathrooms, and prevents federal funding for gender-related medical treatments in federal facilities. The Department of Justice must correct Title IX interpretations to restore sex-based protections, and all agencies must update regulations within 120 days to align with this policy. Additionally, the order revokes prior executive orders on gender identity and dissolves the White House Gender Policy Council.

EO 14169: Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid 1/20/25

This Executive Order halts all new foreign development aid for 90 days to assess its alignment with U.S. foreign policy and efficiency. The Secretary of State and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will review programs to determine whether to continue, modify, or terminate them. Aid may resume before the 90-day period if a program is deemed consistent with U.S. interests. Any new foreign assistance programs must be approved by the Secretary of State and OMB. The order ensures that U.S. foreign aid directly supports the President’s foreign policy objectives and eliminates funding for initiatives deemed counter to American interests.

EO 14170: Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service 1/20/25

This Executive Order revamps the federal hiring process to prioritize merit, efficiency, and constitutional commitment while eliminating hiring based on race, sex, or ideological factors. It directs the creation of a Federal Hiring Plan within 120 days to attract highly skilled candidates, reduce hiring times to under 80 days, improve candidate communication, and integrate modern technology for recruitment. Agencies must enhance Senior Executive Service allocations and adopt best practices to improve hiring outcomes. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will track performance metrics and ensure reforms align with federal goals. The order seeks to streamline hiring and reinforce “American values” in public service.

EO 14171: Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce 1/20/25

This Executive Order reinstates and amends the prior administration’s policy (Executive Order 13957) to increase accountability among federal employees in policy-influencing positions. It creates a new category of federal employment ("Schedule Policy/Career") for positions with significant policymaking influence, making them more subject to dismissal for failing to implement administration policies. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must amend regulations to align with this order, and agencies are required to review and recommend additional positions for inclusion under this classification within 30 days. The order revokes Executive Order 14003, which had expanded civil service protections, and directs agencies to suspend or rescind policies that limit discipline and performance oversight. This reform aims to ensure policy-related civil servants are accountable to the President while maintaining professional neutrality.

EO 14172 Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness 1/20/25

This Executive Order renames and restores historical place names to honor American figures and heritage. It reinstates the name "Mount McKinley" for North America’s highest peak, reversing its 2015 renaming to Denali, while keeping Denali National Park's name intact. It also renames the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" to recognize its economic and historical importance to the United States. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names will be restructured to ensure future naming decisions align with this policy. The Secretary of the Interior is directed to update all federal records, maps, and documents and may solicit further public input on renaming additional landmarks as part of America's semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) celebration.