The Trump administration has eliminated only a small number of major federal regulations more than a year into President Donald Trump’s second term, according to a Mar. 25 review by Bloomberg Law.
While the White House has repeatedly claimed historic achievements in reducing government red tape, analysts say that most of the finalized deregulatory actions have been minor and affected limited groups. The Office of Management and Budget reported that by the end of October, the administration had completed 646 deregulatory actions with estimated savings of about $211.8 billion, surpassing its target ratio for cutting regulations.
However, Bloomberg Law found that just 17 deregulatory actions through March were classified as economically significant—expected to impact the economy by at least $100 million. Regulatory experts highlight the Environmental Protection Agency’s withdrawal of the greenhouse gas endangerment finding as one major exception. The EPA described this move as “the single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history,” estimating it would save Americans over $1.3 trillion.
“If it holds up in court, it will lead to specific deregulatory actions that will be very significant for the economy and the environment,” said Stuart Shapiro, dean for the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy since 2023 according to the official website.
Other observers remain cautious about declaring success for these efforts. Coglianese said comparisons can be drawn between current claims and unmet promises from Trump’s first term, referencing a 2020 academic paper co-authored with Shapiro and Natasha Sarin which concluded that earlier expectations were not met throughout Trump’s first term.
Shapiro leads an institution recognized nationally; according to its official website, the Edward J. Bloustein School is part of Rutgers University and focuses on fostering just, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable and healthy communities at various levels globally. The school also operates research centers addressing community development, transportation policy, health initiatives, workforce development and energy policy according to its official website.
Additionally, its programs have earned high national rankings—including third place for graduate urban planning programs—and honors such as distinguished alumni recognition through a Hall of Fame established in 2013 according to information provided by its official website.
