Trump Administration Unveils Measures to Expand Homeownership Access

The Trump administration, on March 13, 2026, announced a series of executive orders aimed at reducing mortgage rates and lowering the cost of home construction, signaling a renewed push to expand homeownership opportunities for American citizens. The White House characterized the initiatives as a potentially historic package to increase residential access nationwide.

Executive Orders: A Two-Pronged Approach

The two executive orders focus on promoting access to mortgage credit and eliminating regulatory barriers to housing construction. One measure seeks to re-engage community banks in the mortgage market, with the goal of restoring the supply that, according to the administration, has decreased by 50%. The other aims to reduce the cost of building fresh homes by eliminating what the administration deems unnecessary regulations related to safety or environmental protection.

Expanding Access to Mortgage Credit

The administration intends to attract community banks back into the mortgage market. President Trump stated that the number of community banks offering mortgages had been reduced by 50%, attributing this decline to actions by “radical liberals of Wall Street.” The orders promise better rates for buyers, fewer commissions and increased competition within the mortgage lending landscape. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is directed to tailor mortgage rules to enable smaller banks to facilitate more affordable lending, modernizing and streamlining regulatory and documentation requirements. [White House Fact Sheet]

Reducing Regulatory Barriers to Home Construction

The second executive order focuses on reducing building costs by eliminating regulations that the White House believes do not contribute to building safety. Specific regulations slated for repeal were not detailed in initial announcements. The administration pledges to scrap regulations that, according to President Trump, only raise prices. [White House Fact Sheet]

Addressing Investment Fund Home Purchases

President Trump also reaffirmed a measure aimed at preventing large investment funds from acquiring single-family homes on a massive scale, a practice the administration believes drives up property prices for individual buyers.

Criticism and Concerns

The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) expressed concerns that the executive orders could weaken federal protections against housing discrimination and potentially lead to predatory lending practices. Specifically, the NFHA warned that changes to the Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), which is used to detect discriminatory practices, could jeopardize efforts to ensure fair access to mortgages for minority groups.

Key Takeaways

• The Trump administration is prioritizing increased homeownership through deregulation and increased access to mortgage credit.
• The initiatives target both the supply side (reducing construction costs) and the demand side (making mortgages more accessible).
• Community banks are central to the administration’s plan to expand mortgage lending.
• Civil rights organizations have raised concerns about potential discriminatory impacts.