Since 2020, government agencies and many private entities began recognizing the role of historical and ongoing racism and other structural factors that drive health disparities, and began programs and initiatives to address those disparities and promote health equity. Notable efforts included policies and research on maternal and infant health, cancer, and diversity in clinical trials. This and related directives will eliminate much of this work and will also lead to a less diverse and inclusive workforce among federal agencies and contractors with fewer protections against discrimination.
Executive Office of the President - White House Office
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.
Date Enacted
January 20, 2025
Last Updated
March 27, 2025
Policy Type
Research and Data
Housing
Food & Nutrition
Transportation
Healthcare Coverage
Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
Cash or Economic Assistance
Climate
Education
Justice System
Public Health
Immigrant Health
Health and Disability
LGBTQI+ Health
Global Health
Children and Families
Summary
This executive order mandates the termination of programs, policies, and positions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI and DEIA), and environmental justice, by March 20, 2025. The order also calls for an end to “equity-related” grants and contracts, and performance requirements for employees, contractors, or grantees.
Impact Analysis
Legal Challenges
- National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Ed v. Trump (D.Md). - Preliminary injunction ordered 2/21
- Doe 1 v. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (E.D.Va.)
- National Urban League v. Trump (D.D.C.)San Francisco AIDS Foundation et al v. Trump (D.D.C.)
- Chicago Women in Trades v. Trump (N.D. Ill.)
Take Institutional Action
Communicate proactively with patients, providers, and community partners about the core values and principles that underlie your institution’s DEIA related work, drawing connections to workforce diversity and patient care. Build coalitions with peer organizations and ensure your staff and leadership are trained on institutional response strategies.
While this link offers actions tailored for institutions of higher education and DEI, there is much relevance given the intersection between higher ed institutions and health care delivery. How Universities Can Save DEI
Associated or Derivative Policies
Multiple additional executive orders and directives aim to eliminate DEIA and civil rights protections for specific marginalized communities. For example: EO 14173 revoked the 1965 Equal Employment Opportunity rule that protected against discrimination in employment among federal contractors; EO 14224, rescinded an executive order and guidance that reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to make services accessible to people with limited English proficiency.
Policy Prior to 2025
One of the most visible prior policies that addressed equity in federal government was President Biden's Executive Order 13985, required federal agencies to conduct equity assessments and collect data to track and address trends and barriers that underserved communities face in accessing federal positions and programs. This was revoked through President Trump's Executive Order 14148.
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