Trump Signs Executive Orders Aimed at Home Affordability Ahead of Midterms

The orders seek to reduce regulatory burdens and streamline the mortgage process to make housing more accessible.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump signed a pair of executive orders on Friday aimed at improving home affordability, a key issue for many voters ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The orders seek to reduce federal housing regulations, create incentives for state and local governments to speed up permitting, and streamline the mortgage process to make it easier for smaller banks to provide home loans.

Why it matters

Housing affordability has emerged as a fundamental political challenge, with lawmakers from both parties working on measures to address concerns that buying a first home has become difficult for middle-class families. The executive orders are part of the Trump administration's efforts to show its commitment to improving home affordability ahead of the midterm elections.

The details

The first order directs federal agencies to create incentives for state and local governments to speed up permitting times, including by curtailing "green" building codes and reducing design and building mandates. It also instructs agencies to review and update environmental regulations to reduce costs and improve the ability to insure homes. The second order aims to streamline the mortgage process by directing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to update its guidelines to make it easier for smaller banks to provide home loans.

  • The executive orders were signed by President Trump on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who signed the executive orders aimed at improving home affordability.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

The two mortgage companies under government control, which Trump has directed to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds to address the challenge of home affordability.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The White House officials expect that potential homebuyers could see the impact of the changes to mortgage regulations in a matter of months.

The takeaway

The executive orders are part of the Trump administration's efforts to address the challenge of housing affordability, which has emerged as a key issue for many voters ahead of the midterm elections. The changes aim to reduce regulatory burdens and streamline the mortgage process, with the goal of making it easier for builders to construct more homes and for potential buyers to obtain home loans.