EO 14236 acts as a milestone in the Trump administration’s broader roll-back of regulatory and equity-oriented agendas (e.g., a living wage for federal contractors, collecting data on real-world pandemic outcomes, social justice, etc.). Overall, EO 14236 weakens the U.S. federal government’s ability to support economic growth and health equity by decreasing public health data transparency and research funding (particularly for COVID-19), shifting policy focus from clean energy to minerals, and reducing support for certain marginalized groups. Aside from the specific roll-backs on actions for workers, LGBTQ+ people, and Native Americans, underserved and under-resourced communities across the U.S. will not feel the benefits that COVID-19 data insights, clean energy solutions, and advocacy bring. By rescinding these measures, the Trump administration signals a deliberate shift away from policies designed to enhance the federal infrastructure to address health equity by limiting data transparency, reducing investment in research and innovation, and narrowing the scope of federal priorities that previously supported vulnerable and marginalized populations.
A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.
Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.
Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.
Summary
Executive Order (EO) 14236 ends 18 of former President Biden’s orders and actions that were meant to improve economic and public health in the United States, as well as advocate for human rights globally. The order under President Biden included increasing the minimum wage for federal contractors, ensuring strong supply chain systems, promoting clean energy, and supporting workers, LGBTQ+ people, and Native Americans. EO 14236 specifically revoked actions such as data-driven COVID-19 public health initiatives, advancing LGBTQ+ global human rights, and biotechnology innovation, among others.
Impact Analysis
Legal Challenges
- Northern Alaska Environmental Center et al. v. Trump (D. Alaska, Case No. 25‑cv‑00038) (link: https://climatecasechart.com/case/northern-alaska-environmental-center-v-trump/)
- Susman Godfrey LLP v. Executive Office of the President (D.D.C., Case No. 25‑cv‑01107 (link: https://www.susmangodfrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Complaint-4.11.25.pdf)
Take Institutional Action
Where possible, build your own capacity to address areas that are being rolled-back:
Promote health equity using neutral language when using federal funds. Potential alternative language could include quality improvement, access for underserved populations, or reduction of healthcare outcome disparity in clinical or community programs.
Independently collect and analyze demographic data (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, disability, etc.) and use disparities informed frameworks (e.g., National CLAS Standards [link: https://thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/clas/standards]) to identify gaps in health equity and track progress.
For institutions with any COVID-19 focus, identify non-federal sources of COVID-19 data, such as local public health departments or local non-profit relief organizations.
Promote clean energy and green solutions in your own organizations and in your neighborhoods.
Assess what living wages are in your area and create plans to increase wages as needed.
Associated or Derivative Policies
EO 14148: Initial Recissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions
Policy Prior to 2025
All of the prior policies listed below have been revoked through EO 14236
Additional Resources
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