Biden administration immediately takes charge

The Biden administration began reversing Trump administration policies, Executive Orders (EOs), and midnight regulations on day one.

Executive Orders

Signing 17 new EOs in his first 24 hours, President Joe Biden struck down Trump administration immigration, pandemic, climate change, discrimination, and ethics policies. The two of most interest to HR personnel and employment lawyers are discussed below.

EO on racial equity. For employers, the Biden administration rescinded President Donald Trump's EO 13590 in Section 9 of his Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/). Section 9 directs federal agencies covered by EO 13950 to suspend, revise, or rescind any proposed or existing agency actions. Since the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) had shut down enforcement related to federal contractors and subcontractors based on the nationwide injunction, the rescission's main impact will be on federal government agencies and the military.