By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Background. In 1972, the Commission on Population Growth and the American Future, established by Public Law 91-213, issued a report recommending sweeping efforts to slow population growth in the United States. These recommendations rested on flawed assumptions about unsustainable population growth, resource scarcity, and environmental collapse. They underestimated America’s ingenuity in agriculture, technology, and economic development. For decades, these misguided conclusions fueled a false narrative that overpopulation threatened national stability, misleading three generations of Americans.
The Commission’s report wrongly declared that “no substantial benefits will result from further growth of the Nation’s population” and pushed for policies to stabilize or reduce population size. It dismissed population growth as a driver of economic vitality and national strength, instead advocating a radical shift away from traditional family values. The report promoted invasive policies, including federally backed campaigns to limit childbearing, often targeting marginalized communities through measures like unrestricted abortion access. It framed childbearing as a burden, undermining the aspirations of American families.
Today, these ideas are outdated and dangerous. The U.S. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has plummeted to 1.62 births per woman (2024), far below the replacement level of 2.1. America now faces a crisis of population decline, with fewer workers, strained entitlement programs, and weakened communities. The Commission’s failed vision no longer reflects the urgent demographic and economic realities of our great Nation.
Section 2. Purpose. America’s future depends on a strong, growing population. The United States faces a demographic crisis of declining birth rates, shrinking workforces, and an aging population. These trends threaten economic prosperity, national security, and the sustainability of programs like Social Security and Medicare. Fewer workers mean less innovation, lower productivity, and weaker communities. Smaller families risk social isolation and cultural decline.
This Administration will not tolerate the outdated fears of overpopulation. Immediate action is essential to reverse these dangerous trends and restore America’s demographic strength. The Federal Government must reject the discredited 1972 Commission and embrace policies that support families, promote population growth, and secure our Nation’s future.
Section 3. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to strengthen America’s demographic and economic foundation by reversing declining birth rates and promoting sustainable population growth. The Federal Government will prioritize policies that support family formation, eliminate barriers to child-rearing, and encourage strong, thriving families. Rather than relying on immigration to address population decline, the Federal Government will focus on increasing birth rates among the existing American population to ensure a vibrant and self-sustaining future. This policy will ensure economic growth, protect entitlement programs, and preserve the cultural and social fabric of our Nation.
Section 4. Definitions. For purposes of this Executive Order, the following terms shall apply:
(a) “Birth Rates” means the number of live births per 1,000 individuals in a population annually, indicating population growth or decline.
(b) “Population Stability” means a balanced demographic state where births and deaths are approximately equal, ensuring a sustainable population.
(c) “Dependency Ratios” means the ratio of non-working-age individuals (under 15 or over 64) to working-age individuals (15 to 64), reflecting economic burdens.
(d) “Population Decline” means a decrease in population size due to low birth rates, high mortality, or outmigration.
(e) “Replacement Level” means a fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman, sufficient to maintain a stable population.
(f) “Total Fertility Rate (TFR)” means the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, based on current fertility rates.
(g) “Aging Population” means an increase in the proportion of individuals aged 65 or older, straining economic and social systems.
(h) “Family-Supportive Policy” means any law, regulation, or initiative that reduces economic, cultural, or institutional barriers to marriage, childbearing, and parenting.
Section 5. Disavowal of the 1972 Commission.
(a) The findings and recommendations of the 1972 Commission on Population Growth and the American Future are hereby declared outdated and irrelevant to current demographic and economic realities.
(b) All executive departments and agencies shall cease citing, referencing, or relying on the 1972 Commission’s report or its derivatives in developing policies, educational materials, or grant decisions, except for documented historical or archival purposes.
(c) Within 90 days of this order, agency heads shall report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on steps taken to comply with this section.
Section 6. Review and Removal of Outdated Materials.
(a) Within 120 days of this order, heads of executive departments and agencies shall review all publicly available materials under their jurisdiction, including websites, training programs, and policy documents, that reference or promote the 1972 Commission’s conclusions.
(b) Materials endorsing or relying on the Commission’s findings shall be revised or removed, except when used for historical or archival purposes.
(c) Any reference to overpopulation as a justification for suppressing fertility or population growth, including in connection with climate change, shall be eliminated or updated to reflect current demographic realities.
(d) Agency heads shall submit a compliance report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) within 150 days of this order, detailing actions taken.
Section 7. Establishment of the Task Force on Demographic Renewal.
(a) There is hereby established the Task Force on Demographic Renewal (the “Task Force”) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which shall lead and support its activities.
(b) The Task Force shall consist of not more than 12 members appointed by the President, including one representative each from HHS, the Department of Education, and the Department of Labor, and other experts in demography, economics, family policy, and public health, as well as representatives of pro-family organizations.
(c) The Task Force shall be chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Secretary’s designee.
(d) The Task Force shall:
(i) analyze current demographic trends, including fertility rates, workforce participation, and aging populations;
(ii) assess federal policies impacting family formation and population growth;
(iii) evaluate the economic, social, and fiscal consequences of population decline;
(iv) recommend strategies to promote marriage, increase birth rates, and strengthen family-oriented communities; and
(v) propose family-supportive policies to eliminate barriers to childbearing and parenting.
(e) Within 180 days of its first meeting, the Task Force shall submit a report to the President, through the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with its findings and recommendations.
(f) The Task Force shall terminate upon submission of its report, unless extended by the President.
Section 8. General Provisions.
(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
June xx, 2025