The Trump administration’s commitment to deregulation has reshaped the federal landscape in dramatic fashion over the past year. In a clear departure from previous policy, Trump has cut more than 600 regulations while adding just five. This approach marks a stark contrast to the Biden administration, which introduced a torrent of new regulations during its term.
Shortly after taking office, Trump issued an executive order aimed at slashing bureaucratic red tape. The directive mandated that for every new regulation introduced, agencies must remove at least ten existing ones. This bold strategy resulted in over 1,300 proposals submitted for review, leading to a staggering 646 deregulatory actions in fiscal year 2025 alone. The sheer volume of changes represents an ambitious shift towards less regulation, saving an estimated $211.8 billion in net costs for Americans, an average of over $600 per person.
OMB Director Russ Vought emphasized the administration’s aggressive deregulatory agenda, stating, “The Trump Administration’s deregulatory agenda is the most ambitious in American history.” He noted that the achievements in savings so far outpace those of the previous Trump administration and reaffirmed that this effort is just getting underway.
Among the notable deregulatory changes is the easing of airport security procedures. The elimination of the shoe-removal protocol during TSA screenings saves every traveler an average of two minutes, illustrating a direct benefit to everyday Americans. Additionally, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network rolled back a requirement for businesses to report personal ownership information to the government, cutting down on unnecessary regulatory burdens.
Deregulatory efforts have mainly concentrated on key departments, including the Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Agriculture, and Homeland Security. In contrast, the Biden administration has faced criticism for incorporating hundreds to nearly 800 new regulations annually, resulting in regulatory costs of approximately $1.8 trillion, according to the American Action Forum.
However, the deregulation initiative has not been without its detractors. Some Democrats and a few Republicans have voiced concern over the sweeping cuts, particularly those targeting workplace protections. Critics argue that such moves compromise worker safety and well-being. For example, the Democratic National Committee Chair claimed that Trump’s actions could jeopardize basic standards meant to protect workers, suggesting that they favor corporate profits over workers’ rights and safety.
The contrast between the administrations’ approaches to regulation highlights a broader debate over the role of government in overseeing economic activity and protecting the workforce. The Trump administration’s aggressive rollback of regulations aims to create a more business-friendly environment, but it also raises important questions about the balance between economic efficiency and worker safety. This dynamic will likely continue to be a focal point in discussions about the future of American labor standards and business practices.
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