The Biden‑era ethics order (Executive Order 13989) required appointees to:
Refuse all gifts from lobbyists or lobbying organizations.
Avoid “shadow lobbying” for one year after leaving government.
Follow expanded cooling‑off periods before joining lobbying firms.
Trump rescinded this order immediately upon taking office in January 2025, removing those restrictions.
Lobbyists may now give gifts to executive‑branch officials, something the Biden rules had banned.
Former officials can more easily transition into lobbying roles, with fewer waiting periods.
Critics argue this move increases the influence of lobbyists in Washington and reverses anti‑corruption safeguards.