Executive Order 14338—Improving Our Nation Through Better Design
Issued 2025-08-21 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
This executive order directs federal agencies to improve how Americans experience government services, both online and in person. The goal is to make these interactions more user-friendly and visually appealing, addressing what the President sees as a gap in government design compared to other industries. To achieve this, a new national initiative called “America by Design” is being established, along with a National Design Studio and a Chief Design Officer within the White House.
The Chief Design Officer will work with agencies to update government websites and physical locations, focusing on those that have a significant impact on people’s daily lives. The order also requires agencies to comply with existing laws, specifically the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act. The National Design Studio will advise agencies on ways to reduce design costs, improve trust in government services, and enhance the overall quality of experiences for Americans.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
Executive Order 14338 ("Improving Our Nation Through Better Design") directs federal agencies on implementation of existing law. The President's stated goal: "Government-wide compliance with the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act, Public Law 115–336." Under Article II's "Take Care" clause, the President has constitutional authority to direct how the executive branch enforces the laws Congress has enacted. Setting agency priorities, establishing implementation frameworks, and coordinating action across departments are core presidential functions.
As long as this order operates within existing statutory authority and does not contradict congressional mandates, it is a routine exercise of executive power. The order's legal weight depends on the specific statutes it invokes and how it directs agencies to interpret their mandates. Subordinate agencies must follow presidential direction, but only to the extent consistent with their underlying statutory authority.
Official Summary
DCPD202500862 * {margin:0; padding:0; text-indent:0; } .s1 { color: black; font-family:"Times New Roman", serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; font-size: 12pt; } h1 { color: black; font-family:"Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; font-size: 12pt; } .p, p { color: black; font-family:"Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; font-size: 11pt; margin:0pt; } .s2 { color: black; font-family:"Times New Roman", serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; font-size: 11pt; } .s3 { color: black; font-family:"Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; font-size: 12pt; } .s4 { color: black; font-family:"Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; font-size: 9pt; } li {display: block; } #l1 {padding-left: 0pt;counter-reset: c1 2; } #l1> li>*:first-child:before {counter-increment: c1; content: "("counter(c1, lower-latin)") "; color: black; font-family:"Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; font-size: 11pt; } #l1> li:first-child>*:first-child:before {counter-increment: c1 0; } #l2 {padding-left: 0pt;counter-reset: c2 1; } #l2> li>*:first-child:before {counter-increment: c2; content: "("counter(c2, lower-roman)") "; color: black; font-family:"Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; font-size: 11pt; } #l2> li:first-child>*:first-child:before {counter-increment: c2 0; }