On April 23, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order that eliminates disparate-impact liability in several contexts, emphasizing equal treatment under the law for all Americans. Disparate-impact liability is a legal concept suggesting that differences in outcomes among racial or similar groups can indicate discrimination, even without intent. The Executive Order directs federal agencies to prioritize individual merit and revokes previous presidential actions that supported this liability, aiming to restore a merit-based system in employment and other sectors.

The Executive Order reflects a commitment to the ideals of the Civil Rights Movement, asserting that all Americans should be treated equally regardless of race, and that success should be based on individual achievements rather than group identities. By eliminating disparate-impact liability, the administration believes it can reduce barriers to merit-based hiring and improve opportunities for job seekers. The order also includes a directive for the Attorney General to reassess existing regulations and investigations related to disparate-impact liability to ensure a shift towards meritocracy.

President Trump has positioned this action as a return to a system that values individual effort and achievements, aligning with his broader agenda to promote fairness in the workforce and armed forces. The Executive Order is viewed as part of a larger effort to reform civil rights policies that the administration characterizes as counterproductive to the goal of equal opportunity. By focusing on merit, the administration aims to uphold the American Dream and create an environment where success is attainable for all based on personal merit.

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