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, legally binding mandates issued by the President of the United States and printed in the Federal Register that allow the president to direct federal agencies on how to interpret and carry out federal law without the need for congressional approval. The Trump administration has increasingly relied on other forms of presidential directives, including Presidential Actions, to implement policy changes. A presidential action is a directive from the president used to call on the federal government to take action. Notably, the White House reclassified over 100 executive orders as presidential actions after their initial issuance. Presidential actions are not printed in the Federal Register and are therefore harder to track, making federal oversight and public review much more difficult.
Together, these tools allow the administration to rapidly reshape policy and have far-reaching consequences, impacting communities and individuals across the nation. However, Congress still has mechanisms at its disposal—through legislation, oversight, and public pressure—to challenge or limit the impact of these executive actions. Additionally, courts can review them 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 and presidential actions issued by the Trump Administration that we believe will have profound implications for Black Americans. These directives target critical areas such as economic opportunity, education, criminal justice, health equity, and civil rights protections. We have selected these executive actions because they pose serious threats to the progress and well-being of Black communities, risk exacerbating systemic inequities, and could undermine hard-won gains.
Our Executive Order Tracker provides detailed information on each executive action’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 these directives pose and actions that maintain crucial checks and balances on presidential power.
Stay informed and engaged as we monitor these pivotal executive actions and their consequences for Black Americans.
How to Use the Tracker
Use the checkboxes to filter executive actions 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 action at the top.
Click on an executive action’s name to access the fact sheet, which includes policy changes, 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
Name
Date Issued
Issue Area(s)
Summary
Status
April 2, 2025
Tariffs, Trade, Economic Opportunity, Global Affairs
This order declares a national emergency to reduce the U.S. trade deficit by imposing reciprocal tariffs on countries with higher barriers to U.S. goods, addressing non-tariff trade practices, and revitalizing domestic manufacturing in critical sectors like defense, technology, and agriculture. It will be enforced by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and coordinated by key federal agencies, with provisions for tariff adjustments, product exclusions, and congressional reporting to ensure national security and economic stability.
In effect, legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
While tariffs may encourage domestic manufacturing and potentially revive job opportunities in sectors where Black workers have historically been represented, they also risk increasing costs for Black-owned businesses, disrupting supply chains, limiting export potential, and raising consumer prices—disproportionately impacting low-income Black communities and workers in retail, logistics, and transportation.
March 28, 2025
Criminal Justice, Immigration
This executive order establishes a federal task force and a plan to “make D.C. safe and beautiful” by increasing the federal law enforcement presence, increasing access to concealed carry permits, deporting undocumented immigrants, and removing all “homeless or vagrant encampments” encampments on federal land.
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This executive order will disproportionately impact Black communities in Washington, D.C., a city that is over 40% Black, including a large number of Black immigrants. The order authorizes the new task force to dispatch federal immigration officials to identify undocumented immigrants in the District. The order will not only stoke fear in Black communities with undocumented immigrants, but, given recent incidences where the Trump Administration has unlawfully detained legal immigrants, may also have implications for legal permanent residents and international students enrolled in D.C.’s colleges and universities. The order makes guns more accessible and less visible, exacerbating D.C.’s gun violence crisis that has ravaged Black communities. The order will also displace thousands of unhoused people in D.C. By disbanding encampments on federal land, this order will leave thousands of Black people stranded without a place to legally sleep.
Relevant CBCF Research
March 27, 2025
Economic Opportunity
This executive order prohibits federal workers across more than 20 agencies from collective bargaining, including the Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and Energy. The order also instructs the affected department and agency heads to terminate collective bargaining agreements with their employees and terminate agency participation in any pending legal proceedings that pertain to unfair labor practices or grievances brought forward by unionized employees.
In effect, legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This executive order will significantly impact Black communities as Black people are overrepresented in the federal workforce. This order will prohibit thousands of Black workers from negotiating for fair wages and other labor protections.
March 27, 2025
Civil Rights, LGTBQ Issues
This executive order outlines President Trump’s intention to revoke funding from Smithsonian museums that “divide Americans based on race,” including the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), or acknowledge transgender identity, including the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum (SAWHM). The order also directs the Secretary of the Interior to reinstate and restore the names of monuments on federal property that have been taken down since 2020 and to ensure that all descriptions and depictions of public monuments do not “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living.”
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This executive order jeopardizes the Congressional funding that the NMAAHC uses for personnel and upkeep. This could be catastrophic for the longevity of the museum and the preservation of Black history. The order also demands that the Secretary of the Interior reinstate Confederate statues that have been removed from federal property over the last five years. These monuments do not just uplift the public figures that waged war against the United States and attempted to secede from the country, but they also serve as symbolic reminders of anti-Black discrimination.
March 25, 2025
Voting Rights, Civil Rights, Immigration
This executive order mandates proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and requires that all mail-in ballots be received by Election Day. The order also directs federal agencies to assist states in verifying voter eligibility and threatens to withhold federal funding from states that do not comply with these new regulations.
In effect, legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This order will make voting more difficult for the most vulnerable populations, including those Black Americans who do not have a passport and Black women who changed their last name and can no longer use their birth certificate or Social Security card to verify their citizenship. The order also disqualifies mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, which could force college students, rural voters, and elderly and disabled voters to vote in-person and face long lines.
Relevant CBCF Research
March 20, 2025
Education
This executive order initiates the dismantling of the Department of Education and aims to give educational authority back to the States. Additionally, the order threatens the funding of educational institutions that continue to engage in any activities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or seen as promoting gender ideology.
In effect, legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
Dismantling the Department of Education threatens to reverse decades of progress in educational equity, disproportionately affecting Black students and other marginalized communities. The absence of federal oversight could lead to increased discrimination and reduced access to essential educational resources.
Relevant CBCF Research
Education Equity Under Threat: The Defunding of Title I and Title II Programs
March 20, 2025
Environmental Justice, Energy
This executive order aims to bolster domestic mining like uranium, copper, potash, gold, and any other element, compound, or material determined by the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) and the processing of critical minerals essential for national security, technology, and infrastructure. It directs federal agencies to expedite the permitting process for high-priority mineral projects.
In effect
Impact on Black Americans
This order could provide Black-owned businesses with better access to funding and government contracts while also spurring infrastructure investments and job creation in mining and related industries. However, fast-tracking mineral production may weaken environmental protections, leading to pollution and displacement in Black communities. Without explicit equity measures, the economic benefits of mineral expansion may bypass historically marginalized groups.
Relevant CBCF Research
Breathing Injustice: Environmental Inequality and its Impact on Black Health
March 19, 2025
Immigration, Civil Rights
This presidential action mandates the removal of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Core Precept from the Foreign Service’s tenure and promotion criteria.
In effect
Impact on Black Americans
This action is consistent with a broader agenda aimed at dismantling DEIA initiatives within the federal government. The action will likely result in fewer institutional protections for Black foreign service officers. Additionally, removing DEIA as a core precept in tenure and promotion criteria will limit the employment and career advance opportunities for Black employees.
Relevant CBCF Research
2024 CBCF DEI Resource Guide by Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
March 14, 2025
Economic Opportunity, Education, Global Affairs, Housing
This presidential action significantly reduces the functionality and personnel of seven government agencies, including the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the Institute for Museums and Library Services.
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This action guts seven government entities that provide Black communities with everything from access to educational materials to economic empowerment. Here are two examples of its policy implications for Black Americans: The MBDA helped business owners from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds secure nearly $4 billion in contracts in 2023. By eliminating crucial personnel and denying the MBDA’s funding requests, the Trump Administration is putting thousands of Black businesses in jeopardy. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness conducts strategic work to address homelessness across the United States, which disproportionately impacts Black communities. This action would significantly cut their funding and suspend the projects that are serving the unhoused population, which is more than 40% Black.
Relevant CBCF Research
Opportunity Zones: Assessing the Benefits of Empowerment for African Americans
March 14, 2025
Economic Opportunity, Environmental Justice, Health, LGBTQ Issues, Energy
This presidential action overturns six executive orders, five presidential memorandums, five presidential determinations, and two national security memorandums implemented by former President Joe Biden. The rescinded executive orders cover a variety of topics, including workers rights, future pandemic preparedness, and clean energy.
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This action rescinds 18 executive actions that provide Black communities with everything from climate resilience to apprenticeship programs. Here are two examples of its policy implications for Black Americans: President Trump repealed an executive order that helped provide a pathway for people without a college degree to attain government jobs through paid apprenticeships. By rescinding this order, President Trump is restricting opportunities for Americans who have not attended college to work in the federal government, which includes nearly two-thirds of Black adults. President Trump also overturned a presidential determination that ordered the Secretary of Energy to manufacture sustainable energy products domestically. By rescinding these executive actions, the Trump Administration is signaling that they will not use federal resources to address climate change, which disproportionately impacts communities of color.
Relevant CBCF Research
Breathing Injustice: Environmental Inequality and its Impact on Black Health
Leveraging Upskill and Reskill Programs in Technology for Black Economic Growth
March 7, 2025
Education, Economic Opportunity
This presidential action 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 presidential action 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 action seeks to eliminate restrictions on law-abiding citizens’ right to keep and bear arms while ensuring government actions comply with constitutional protections.
Reclassified as Presidential Action on March 8, 2025
In effect, pending legal challenges
Impact on Black Americans
The impact of this action 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 presidential action expands school choice programs by encouraging States to use federal funds to support K-12 educational choice initiatives.
Reclassified as Presidential Action on March 8, 2025
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
This presidential action prohibits the teaching of specific ideologies deemed divisive or politically motivated. The action argues that public school curricula should avoid promoting concepts such as systemic racism and “gender ideology.”
Reclassified as Presidential Action on March 8, 2025
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This action restricts discussions on systemic racism and related concepts which would limit comprehensive Black history education. Long-term implications of this action 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 presidential action 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.
Reclassified as Presidential Action on March 8, 2025
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This action’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 presidential action eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and programs in all executive departments and agencies and for all federal contractors. The action also demands that companies in the private sector terminate their DEI efforts.
In effect, legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This action 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 presidential action rolls back previous commitments and attempts at managing hate speech, “misinformation,” and “disinformation” on online platforms.
Reclassified as Presidential Action on March 8, 2025
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 presidential action establishes policy protections that define sex-based rights in accordance with biological distinctions. The action 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.
Reclassified as Presidential Action on March 8, 2025
In effect, legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This action 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 presidential action 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 action also outlines the Trump Administration’s intention to overturn the Supreme Court precedents that limit the use of capital punishment.
Reclassified as Presidential Action on March 9, 2025
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This action 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 presidential action suspends the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and halts all pending refugee cases in the program indefinitely. The action also lays the groundwork for states to decide whether or not to accept refugees.
Reclassified as Presidential Action on March 8, 2025
Not in effect due to legal challenges
Impact on Black Americans
This action 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 action 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 presidential action 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.”
Reclassified as Presidential Action on March 8, 2025
In effect, no legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This action 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 presidential action 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.
Reclassified as Presidential Action on March 9, 2025
Not in effect, pending legal challenges
Impact on Black Americans
The Trump administration’s presidential actions 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 presidential action 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.
Reclassified as Presidential Action on March 9, 2025
Paused, legal challenges pending
Impact on Black Americans
This action 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 presidential action 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.
Reclassified as Presidential Action on March 9, 2025
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 presidential action 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.
Reclassified as Presidential Action on March 8, 2025
Not in effect, pending legal challenges
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.
Not 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
Last Updated: 4/11
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 actions and advocate for policies that protect our communities:
1. Get Informed
Stay up to date with our research on the latest executive actions 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 actions 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 actions and continues to fight for all Americans. CBC Member responses to the executive orders and presidential actions are below.
Rep. Terri Sewell
(AL-07)
Reps. Sewell and Sánchez, Ways and Means Democrats Introduce Bill to End Tariff Chaos, Reclaim Congress’ Trade Authority [4/10/2025]
Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) joined Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38) and Ways and Means Committee Democrats to introduce the Stopping a Rogue President on Trade Act, a bill to put a stop to President Trump’s reckless trade wars and return tariff authority to Congress.
Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester
(D-DE)
Coons, Blunt Rochester Join in Introducing Bill to Fully Fund Special Education [4/8/2025]
Today, Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.) joined in introducing the IDEA Full Funding Act, legislation to ensure Congress finally fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Rep. Marilyn Strickland
(WA-10)
Strickland Leads Bipartisan Letter on Impact Aid and Education Department Cuts [4/8/2025]
Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) sent a letter with 40 of her colleagues to the Department of Education expressing deep concern for the disbursement of Impact Aid. The letter addresses the impact on school districts and how the program fills funding gaps.