Glossary
Executive order
A written directive from the US president telling federal agencies how to carry out their work.
An executive order is an instruction from the president to the federal executive branch. It can direct agencies to write rules, change how they buy or use technology, or set priorities. Orders are numbered and published in the Federal Register.
Executive orders have been a main tool of US AI policy because they take effect without new legislation. They direct federal agencies, so their effect on companies usually comes through agency rules, contracts, and enforcement.
An order cannot override an act of Congress, can be challenged in court, and can be revoked by a later president. Many orders direct agencies to act later, so the practical effect depends on what follows.
Read more: our explainer