Trump Revokes Biden Cybersecurity Policies in New EO

Executive Order Reverses Key Digital Security Measures

President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order that dismantles several cybersecurity policies implemented by both the Biden and Obama administrations. The document, officially titled “Sustaining Select Efforts to Strengthen the Nation’s Cybersecurity,” removes policies that the current administration views as problematic or ineffective.

Digital ID Provision Removed Amid Immigration Concerns

The order specifically targets Biden’s Executive Order 14144, which had encouraged federal agencies to accept digital identity documents for public benefits. The White House claims this policy created security vulnerabilities by potentially allowing undocumented immigrants to access government services illegally.

Cybersecurity experts have expressed concerns about this reversal. Mark Montgomery of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies noted that focusing on immigration issues may come at the expense of proven security benefits provided by digital identification systems.

AI Security Requirements Scrapped

The executive order also eliminates multiple AI-related cybersecurity measures established under Biden, including:

• Mandates for AI testing in energy infrastructure defense
• Federal funding for AI security research programs
• Pentagon requirements to implement AI cybersecurity models

Administration officials framed these changes as shifting focus toward vulnerability management rather than what they call “AI censorship.” This aligns with complaints from Trump’s tech industry allies about potential speech restrictions in AI systems.

Encryption and Software Security Changes

The order makes several significant changes to technical security standards:

• Removes urgency for implementing quantum-resistant encryption
• Eliminates security attestation requirements for federal contractors
• Labels previous software security processes as “unproven and burdensome”

Cybersecurity Sanctions Policy Revised

Extending beyond Biden-era policies, the order also reverses Obama administration rules regarding cybersecurity sanctions. New limitations will:

• Restrict sanctions to only foreign malicious actors
• Explicitly exclude election-related activities
• Prevent potential use against domestic political opponents

The White House maintains these changes will create a more focused and effective cybersecurity framework, though critics argue they may weaken America’s digital defenses. The full impact of these policy reversals on national security and technological innovation remains to be seen.