Trump Signs Executive Orders to Address Home Affordability

Orders aim to reduce regulatory burdens and make mortgages more accessible ahead of midterm elections

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:53pm

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President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders that aim to make housing and mortgages more affordable. The first order directs federal agencies to reduce regulatory burdens and create incentives for state and local governments to speed up permitting and construction. The second order seeks to streamline the mortgage process and make it easier for smaller banks to provide home loans. The White House says these changes could impact potential homebuyers in a matter of months.

Why it matters

Housing affordability has emerged as a key political issue, with both Republicans and Democrats working on measures to address concerns that buying a first home has become difficult for many middle-class families. The executive orders show the Trump administration's efforts to put more policy emphasis on home ownership ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

The details

The first executive order directs federal agencies to reduce environmental regulations, simplify permitting processes, and make it easier to use innovative construction methods. The second order instructs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to update mortgage guidelines to allow smaller banks to engage in more lending, with the goal of increasing competition and reducing borrowing costs for buyers.

  • The executive orders were signed by President Trump on 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 that Trump has directed to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds to address home affordability challenges.

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What they’re saying

“'People that own their homes, we're going to keep them wealthy. We're going to keep those prices up. We're not going to destroy the value of their homes so that somebody that didn't work very hard can buy a home.'”

— Donald Trump, President (Cabinet meeting)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

The executive orders demonstrate the Trump administration's efforts to address housing affordability concerns ahead of the midterm elections, balancing the desire to keep home prices rising while also finding ways to boost home ownership for those currently renting.