Dear Colleagues 

Monday, on his first day in office, President Trump issued more than 40 executive orders and rescinded nearly 80 prior executive orders, some of which will impact the university community. More are expected over the coming days and weeks. Executive orders shape federal policy and have the force of law, although their legal effect is contingent on appropriate use of presidential authority. Many of these actions may be subject to legal interpretation and/or challenge. Executive orders cannot create new agency authority or change existing funding; that authority resides with Congress.  

Furthermore, to implement major elements of his agenda over the next four years, President Trump will also need to utilize the federal rulemaking process, which requires public notice and comment, and partner with Congress, where narrow majorities will necessitate bipartisanship to enact most legislation.

Executive orders issued thus far largely address border security and immigration enforcement, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government, climate and environmental issues, federal workforce issue, and some others.

The Office of University Counsel and the Office of Federal Relations are jointly analyzing the potential impacts of the executive orders on the university’s academic, research and public service missions. We are also engaging with our national association partners, including AAU, APLU, AAMC and ACE. We will provide additional insight and analyses, including potential immediate impacts and long-term effects, implementation, and compliance as quickly as possible so you are equipped to engage and support your campus communities.

Our teams are here for you. We are working closely with the Chancellors and encourage you to work through your campus leadership with questions. Please be on the lookout for more information in the coming days and weeks which you can find at cu.edu/office-government-relations/federal-relations. 

Jeremy Hueth, Vice President, University Counsel
Danielle Radovich Piper, Sr. VP External Relations and Strategy