How many executive orders has each president signed?
Recent presidents have signed an average of 269 executive orders while in office, with two-term presidents averaging 332 and single-term presidents averaging 207.
When a president takes office, they often sign executive orders soon after inauguration, sometimes on Inauguration Day itself.
An executive order is a presidential action that directs federal agencies on how to operate. It carries the effect of law provided it aligns with constitutional powers. Executive orders can also amend or revoke prior orders.
In addition to executive orders, other presidential actions can include memorandums, and proclamations.
How many executive orders have recent presidents signed?
Since 1969, the 10 most recent presidents who completed full terms signed an average of 269 executive orders. Presidents with two completed terms signed an average of 332, while presidents who completed single terms averaged 207.
Jimmy Carter, a single-term president, signed the most executive orders per year, averaging 80. Barack Obama, who served two terms, signed the fewest per year: 35.
President Trump has signed 252 executive orders so far in his second term: 225 in 2025, and 27 as of March 26, 2026.
Trump signed more executive orders in 2025 than in his first term.
Executive orders by presidents, 1969–2026
Two-term President Ronald Reagan signed the most executive orders, signing 381 from 1981 to 1989.
Single-term President Joe Biden signed 160 executive orders from 2021 to 2025, which is fewer than other recent presidents.
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How many executive orders has each president signed on their first day?
The White House reports that President Trump signed 26 executive orders on January 20, 2025. In 2017, on the first day of his first term, he signed one.
President Donald Trump has signed the most first-day executive orders of recent presidents.
First-day executive orders by previous ten presidents, 1969–2025
Prior to then, the most executive orders signed on a first day was former President Joe Biden, who signed nine executive orders on his first day.
Where does the data come from?
Data on executive orders comes from the Federal Register, which has been required by law to publish all executive orders and proclamations since 1936. Executive orders are documented in the Federal Register back to 1937, starting with President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Before this standardization, executive orders were not formally documented by a federal agency.
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