Trump Signs Order Targeting ‘Overcriminalization’ in Federal Regulation

‘The purpose of this order is to ease the regulatory burden on everyday Americans,’ the order states.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington on April 23, 2025. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on May 9 targeting what he called the overcriminalization of regulation across the United States.

“The United States is drastically overregulated,” the order stated. “The Code of Federal Regulations contains over 48,000 sections, stretching over 175,000 pages — far more than any citizen can possibly read, let alone fully understand. Worse, many carry potential criminal penalties for violations.”