CBCF Executive Order Tracker
Understanding What’s at Stake for Black America
Introduction
During the first week of his second term in office, President Donald Trump made history by issuing an unprecedented 36 executive orders. Executive orders are official directives issued by the President of the United States that allow the president to direct government operations and implement policy decisions without the need for congressional approval. These orders can rapidly shape policy and have far-reaching consequences, impacting communities and individuals across the nation. However, Congress still has tools at its disposal—through legislation, oversight, and public pressure—to challenge or limit the impact of executive actions. Further, courts can also review these orders to determine their legality and constitutionality, to ensure a system of checks and balances remains in place.
At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), we are closely monitoring a series of executive orders issued by the Trump Administration that we believe will have profound implications for Black Americans. These orders target critical areas such as economic opportunity, education, criminal justice, health equity, and civil rights protections. We have selected these executive orders because they pose serious threats to the progress and well-being of Black communities, risk exacerbating systemic inequities, and will undermine hard-won gains.
Our Executive Order Tracker provides detailed information on each executive order’s legal status, an in-depth analysis of their impact on Black communities, and highlights responses from Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members, including statements on the threats the executive orders pose and actions that maintain crucial checks and balances on presidential power. Our goal is to keep the public informed about the decisions shaping our nation and to empower them with the knowledge needed to advocate for justice and equity.
Stay informed and engaged as we monitor these pivotal orders and their consequences for Black Americans.
How to Use the Tracker
Use the checkboxes to filter executive orders by topic or government agency. Click Reset to clear all selections or Check All to view every order we are tracking. Entries are listed with the most recent executive order at the top.
Click on an executive order’s name to access the fact sheet, which includes policy changes in the order, agencies responsible for enforcement, a detailed analysis of the impact on Black Americans, and select responses from Congressional Black Caucus members.
The tracker is updated weekly.
Status Key
Overturned: Struck down by the Supreme Court
Not in Effect: Blocked by a lower court, delayed, or rescinded by the White House
Pending Legal Challenges: Currently being litigated
In Effect: Currently in effect
Upheld: Upheld by the Supreme Court
EO Name
Date Issued
Issue Area(s)
Summary
Status
March 7, 2025
Education, Economic Opportunity
This executive order amends the eligibility criteria for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF) to exclude organizations that engage in “improper” or illegal activity, like organizations that engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, help undocumented immigrants, and provide gender affirming care for trans kids.
Not in effect
Impact on Black Americans
Black students are both more likely to take out loans and leave college with more debt than their white peers. The long-term effects of student loan debt contribute to the racial wealth gap and can create negative economic and psychological outcomes for Black Americans.
February 7, 2025
Health, Civil Rights, Criminal Justice
This executive order mandates a thorough review of government regulations and policies that may have infringed upon Second Amendment rights, requiring the Attorney General to present a plan of action within 30 days. The order seeks to eliminate restrictions on law-abiding citizens’ right to keep and bear arms while ensuring government actions comply with constitutional protections.
Not in effect due to legal challenges
Impact on Black Americans
The impact of this order on Black communities depends on how revised gun policies affect firearm access, self-defense, and public safety. While removing regulatory barriers may ease access for Black gun owners, changes could also alter law enforcement strategies and community safety. The unequal application of the Second Amendment raises concerns about Black gun owners’ protection. Historical and modern cases highlight a double standard, where Black gun owners face deadly consequences without support from gun rights groups. Racial biases continue to shape attitudes and policies, hindering Black Americans’ ability to fully exercise their rights.
January 29, 2025
Education
This executive order expands school choice programs by encouraging States to use federal funds to support K-12 educational choice initiatives.
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
While school choice holds the promise of improving educational outcomes for Black students, it also carries significant risks. Without policies in place to ensure equity, adequate funding, and diversity, school choice could further entrench educational disparities rather than alleviate them.
Relevant CBCF Research
Preserving the Integrity of American Education
Education Equity Under Threat: The Defunding of Title I and Title II Programs
January 29, 2025
Education
The executive order prohibits the teaching of specific ideologies deemed divisive or politically motivated. The order argues that public school curricula should avoid promoting concepts such as systemic racism and “gender ideology.”
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This order restricts discussions on systemic racism and related concepts which would limit comprehensive Black history education. Long-term implications of this order include reproducing implicit biases for generations and limiting capacities to create an equal and just society that addresses systemic racism.
Relevant CBCF Research
Deconstructing Misconceptions: Understanding Critical Race Theory
January 27, 2025
Civil Rights
This executive order abolishes all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and initiatives within the Department of Defense and U.S. Coast Guard, banning race- and sex-based preferences in hiring, training, and military education. It also mandates internal reviews and reporting deadlines to ensure compliance with a merit-based, race-neutral military structure while prohibiting the teaching of “divisive” and DEI-related concepts.
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This order’s removal of DEI programs in the military could impact Black service members’ representation, career advancement, and institutional support. Without these initiatives, recruitment diversity may decline, leadership disparities may persist, and workplace discrimination concerns may lack proper channels. Military academies will no longer address systemic racism or bias, potentially affecting education on race-related leadership topics. As the military has historically provided economic mobility for Black Americans, reduced opportunities could impact broader economic stability.
January 21, 2025
Economic Opportunity, Civil Rights
This executive order eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and programs in all executive departments and agencies and for all federal contractors. The order also demands that companies in the private sector terminate their DEI efforts.
In effect, legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This order has led to attacks on Black history and funding cuts for Black businesses. Federal agencies like the State Department have archived or deactivated DEI webpages and resources and cancelled Black History Month celebrations. Target, a high profile company in the private sector, ended its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiative, under which it pledged to invest over $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by the end of 2025.
Relevant CBCF Research
January 20, 2025
Civil Rights, Mental Health, Technology
This executive order rolls back previous commitments and attempts at managing hate speech, “misinformation,” and “disinformation” on online platforms.
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
The banning of content moderation policies impacts Black communities in several ways, including negative public health outcomes and decreased political engagement.
Relevant CBCF Research
Behavioral and Mental Health: A National Crisis Impacting Black Youth
January 20, 2025
Civil Rights, Health, LGBTQ Issues
This executive order establishes policy protections that define sex-based rights in accordance with biological distinctions. The order asserts that policies allowing gender identity to override biological sex pose risks to women’s privacy, safety, and fairness in areas such as sports, education, and public accommodations.
In effect, legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This order will disproportionately impact Black transgender and nonbinary people, who already face higher rates of homelessness, unequal access to resources, and mental health issues.
Relevant CBCF Research
January 20, 2025
Criminal Justice
This executive order directs the Attorney General to resume federal executions and encourage State attorneys general and district attorneys to bring State capital charges for all capital crimes. The order also outlines the Trump Administration’s intention to overturn the Supreme Court precedents that limit the use of capital punishment.
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This order puts Black Americans at greater risk of facing fatal consequences at the hands of the justice system. The National Registry of Exonerations reported in 2017 that innocent Black people are seven times more likely to be wrongfully convicted of murder than innocent white people.
January 20, 2025
Immigration
This executive order suspends the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and halts all pending refugee cases in the program indefinitely. The order also lays the groundwork for states to decide whether or not to accept refugees.
Not in effect due to legal challenges
Impact on Black Americans
This order will erase a path to legal citizenship in the United States for the global Black community. As one-in-five Black Americans were immigrants or the children of immigrants in 2019, this order could have catastrophic consequences for Black communities and is even more dangerous in conjunction with the Trump Administration’s other immigration policies.
January 20, 2025
Civil Rights
This executive order establishes a Federal Hiring Plan to be implemented by all federal agencies, departments, and commissions that overturns diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) recruitment efforts in the federal government and requires federal workers in nonpartisan departments to “faithfully serve the Executive Branch.”
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This order marks the first time in 60 years where there are no intentional efforts to address racism in the federal government, which will have a significant impact on Black Americans.
Relevant CBCF Research
January 20, 2025
Environmental Justice, Transportation
This executive order declares a national energy emergency and mandates that federal agencies use all available emergency authorities to rapidly expand domestic energy production and infrastructure. It also requires expedited environmental reviews and regular reporting to ensure that energy projects are implemented swiftly to safeguard national economic and security interests.
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
The Trump administration’s executive orders on energy could lower energy costs and create jobs, potentially benefiting low-income Black communities. However, expedited permitting processes and reduced environmental reviews risk increased pollution and health disparities, as Black communities are often near hazardous sites. The focus on fossil fuels without investing in renewable energy undermines progress toward a clean energy economy and environmental justice, leaving Black communities without access to green jobs or sustainable solutions. The rollback of environmental protections further deepens inequality and exposes these communities to greater health risks.
Relevant CBCF Research
Breathing Injustice: Environmental Inequality and its Impact on Black Health
January 20, 2025
Civil Rights
This executive order mandates that all federal agencies, department, and commission heads eliminate all environmental justice and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) positions and offices by March 20, 2025.
In effect, legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This order has not only eliminated federal jobs for Black workers but has also stopped the recruitment efforts that have created a diverse federal workforce.
January 20, 2025
Health
This executive order withdraws the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), revoking prior commitments and halting all financial support and personnel involvement. It also mandates the identification of alternative global health partners and requires the revision of U.S. health security policies.
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO could disproportionately impact Black communities by limiting access to global health resources, disease surveillance, and public health initiatives that address racial health disparities. The WHO plays a vital role in shaping maternal and infant health guidelines, combating infectious diseases, and coordinating vaccine development—areas where Black communities already face systemic inequities. Without the WHO’s support, gaps in research, reduced disease tracking, and weakened public health infrastructure could worsen health outcomes.
January 20, 2025
Environmental Justice
This executive order removes the United States from the Paris Agreement and all related international climate commitments, cutting off financial support for global climate initiatives. It also directs federal agencies to revoke policies supporting international climate finance while prioritizing economic efficiency in future energy agreements.
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
Weakening environmental regulations and withdrawing from global climate commitments could exacerbate pollution, public health disparities, and climate-related disasters, disproportionately affecting Black communities already vulnerable to air pollution, water contamination, and extreme weather events. While prioritizing fossil fuel industries may create jobs, it threatens clean energy investments, where Black workers have been gaining economic opportunities. The rollback of environmental justice initiatives further undermines protections against environmental racism, leaving frontline communities with fewer resources to address worsening climate conditions.
January 20, 2025
Environmental Justice, Transportation
This executive order accelerates fossil fuel production by rolling back environmental regulations, eliminating clean energy mandates, and prioritizing oil, gas, and natural resource development on federal lands and waters. It also dismantles environmental justice initiatives and reduces federal support for renewable energy, shifting national policy toward fossil fuel dominance.
In effect, pending legal challenges
Impact on Black Americans
The rollback of environmental justice protections and clean energy initiatives further exacerbates systemic inequities, prioritizing fossil fuel industries over frontline communities. Limiting renewable energy growth also restricts economic opportunities for Black workers. Without policies that balance energy security with environmental justice, these communities risk bearing the greatest burden of pollution, climate disasters, and long-term economic consequences.
Relevant CBCF Research
Walking the Talk: Empowering Black Communities through Inclusive Active Transportation
What You Can Do
The fight for justice requires all of us to stay informed, take action, and hold our leaders accountable. Here’s how you can push back against harmful executive orders and advocate for policies that protect our communities:
1. Get Informed
Stay up to date with our research on the latest executive orders and their impacts, read our Project 2025 fact sheet, explore our Black Civic Engagement Hub, and check back here regularly for updates.
2. Share the Tracker
Help ensure your network understands what’s at stake.
3. Call Your Representatives
Demand that your representatives oppose harmful policies and support legislation that protects your rights. Find your elected officials here.
4. Attend Town Halls & Community Meetings
Ask local and federal leaders how they plan to respond, and how they will center the needs of your communities.
5. Participate in Rallies & Protests
Show up in solidarity with movements resisting unjust policies or advocating for positive change.
6. Register & Mobilize Voters
Ensure your community is registered and ready to vote in local and national elections.
Together, we can push back against harmful executive orders and demand a future where Black communities are protected, empowered, and prioritized in policymaking.
What Members Are Saying
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has been vocal in its opposition to President Trump’s executive orders and continues to fight for all Americans. CBC Member responses to the executive orders are below.
Rep. Summer Lee
(PA-12)
Rep. Summer Lee Calls on Dept. of Ed. to Rescind Threat of Cuts to Federal Funding for Schools with DEI Programs [2/28/2025]
Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12), a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, led 43 of her colleagues on a letter to the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights to rescind its letter threatening to remove federal funding for educational institutions and agencies that do not eliminate programs and activities related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Rep. Dwight Evans
(PA-03)
Evans Hosting Telephone Town Hall on March 8; Delaware Attorney General, ACLU Rep among Guest Speakers [2/27/2025]
Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) will host a telephone town hall on Saturday, March 8, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. He’ll be joined by guest speakers to help update Philadelphians on what’s happening with efforts to fight Trump administration actions, including some successes in the courts.
Rep. Glenn Ivey, Rep. Kweisi Mfume, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks
(MD-04); (MD-07); (D-MD)
Team Maryland Democrats Meet with Federal Employee Union Leaders, Democracy Forward to Discuss Efforts to Defend Federal Workforce [2/27/2025]
The Democratic members of Maryland’s Congressional delegation held a meeting with leaders from federal employee unions and Democracy Forward to discuss supporting federal employees amid Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s illegal attacks on merit-based civil servants who do critical work on behalf of the American people.