After The Fact

January 31, 2025 Presidential Directives

January 31, 2025

President Trump issued three directives on January 31, 2025. The first memorandum limits the duration and scope of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) made in the 30 days prior to a presidential transition. The second proclamation designates February 2025 as National Black History Month. The third executive order mandates a 10-to-1 deregulation initiative for new regulations.

Limiting Lame-Duck Collective Bargaining Agreements

This memorandum aims to prevent outgoing administrations from enacting CBAs that bind the incoming president to potentially unfavorable policies. The memorandum argues such agreements undermine democratic processes.

CBAs created within 30 days of a new president's inauguration cannot create new obligations, substantively change existing agreements, or extend their duration, unless it is a rollover under existing provisions. Agreements violating these terms, if not yet approved by the agency head, must be disapproved.

The restrictions do not apply to CBAs primarily covering law enforcement officers.

The memorandum directs the Office of Personnel Management to publish it in the Federal Register.

National Black History Month, 2025

This proclamation designates February 2025 as National Black History Month, celebrating the contributions of Black Americans to the nation's history and culture.

The proclamation highlights figures like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Thomas Sowell, Justice Clarence Thomas, and Tiger Woods as exemplars of Black achievement.

10-to-1 Deregulation Initiative

This executive order mandates that for every new regulation issued, agencies must identify at least 10 existing regulations for repeal.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will oversee the measurement and estimation of regulatory costs, ensuring the total incremental cost of new regulations in fiscal year 2025 is 'significantly less than zero.'

The fact sheet criticizes the Biden administration for imposing '$1.7 trillion in costs' through regulation and argues that overregulation stifles businesses, reduces consumer choice, and increases the cost of living.

The order builds on a previous 2-for-1 deregulation policy from President Trump's first term, which reportedly resulted in a 5.5-to-1 reduction.

Last updated at 2/7/2025 10:43 PM

- After The Fact Editorial Team