Trump Administration’s Executive Orders on Healthcare: What You Need to Know

March 25, 2025

Molly Peltzman, STS Advocacy

2 min read

All Members Advocacy

Key Points

The Trump administration has implemented executive orders and actions that have had a profound impact on hospitals, Medicare coverage, and regulatory oversight.
A few of these policies are now being challenged in the courts, which means their status may change or they may not yet be in effect.
STS is dedicated to keeping its members informed about the potential impacts on cardiothoracic surgery and patient care.

Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has issued a series of executive orders (EOs) and actions that have significant implications for the healthcare landscape. These policies could affect hospitals, Medicare coverage, and regulatory oversight. Some of these policies are currently being challenged in the courts, which means their status may change or they may not yet be in effect. As these policies evolve, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) remains committed to keeping its members informed about the potential impacts on cardiothoracic surgery and patient care.

View the table below for an up-to-date list of relevant executive orders and status.

Executive Action	Status	STS Notes
Jan. 21 – End federal funding of DEI grants and programs.	Active Federal judge overturned temporary block on Mar. 14.	N/A
Jan. 27 – Federal grant spending freeze to align with Administration priorities	Blocked by federal judge on Feb. 3.	Concerns over the future of healthcare research grants.
Jan. 31 – Requirement to repeal 10 existing regulations for every new one promulgated.	Active	Possible opportunity to remove overly burdensome regulations impacting CT surgeons.
Feb. 7 - Cap of 15% on NIH Indirect Funding.	Paused by federal judge.	STS shared a statement on concerns with NIH indirect funding cuts.
Feb. 13 - Establishing the Make America Healthy Again Commission.	Active	STS is interested in engaging in chronic care prevention and management.
Feb. 26 – Large scale staff reductions at key HHS agencies.	Active	Workforce reductions impacting agencies like the CMS Innovation Center and FDA will likely affect projects impacting CT surgeons.