On April 23, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order addressing the principle of equality under the law in the United States. The order emphasizes that all citizens should be treated equally, promoting a meritocratic society that does not favor individuals based on race or gender. It critiques the concept of disparate-impact liability, which presumes discrimination based on differences in outcomes among various demographic groups, even in the absence of discriminatory intent or policies. The order argues that this liability creates legal challenges for businesses, hindering their ability to make hiring decisions based on merit and skills, thereby limiting opportunities for job seekers.

The executive order revokes previous presidential approvals related to disparate-impact liability under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It instructs federal agencies to deprioritize enforcement of laws that include disparate-impact liability, asserting that such practices violate constitutional principles and civil rights laws. The Attorney General is tasked with reviewing existing regulations and pending investigations that rely on disparate-impact theories, with a focus on amending or repealing those that conflict with the new policy.

The order also calls for a review of state laws that may impose similar liabilities and encourages the development of guidance for employers to promote equal access to employment opportunities, irrespective of educational background. The overarching goal of the order is to reinforce the commitment to individual merit and equal opportunity, while addressing perceived legal barriers that may hinder these principles.