On August 21, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to initiate the ‘America by Design’ program, aimed at enhancing the quality of federal digital and physical services. This initiative establishes the National Design Studio and the position of Chief Design Officer, who will work to streamline design processes across government agencies, reduce costs, and improve user experience. The program addresses significant shortcomings in the current federal digital landscape, where many websites do not meet modern usability standards, with only a small percentage rated as mobile-friendly.

The order requires agency heads to collaborate with the Chief Design Officer to implement design improvements, including updates to the United States Web Design System (USWDS) and compliance with the 21st Century IDEA Act. This initiative responds to public feedback regarding the inefficiency of existing federal websites, which are often outdated and difficult to navigate. The Trump Administration has emphasized a commitment to innovation, as demonstrated by previous efforts to modernize processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, particularly in areas like veterans’ benefits and electronic payments.

Through this initiative, the Trump Administration seeks to restore public trust in federal services by ensuring they are accessible and user-friendly. By leveraging private-sector design expertise, the administration aims to create a more cohesive and efficient digital ecosystem for the American public. This initiative reflects an ongoing effort to ensure that government services are responsive to the needs of citizens and meet contemporary expectations for quality and performance.

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