Trump Signs Four Bills Killing Biden's Last-Minute Appliance Rules: 'Isn't That Ridiculous?' (May 9, 2025)

President Donald Trump signed four bills from Congress wiping out energy rules the Biden administration pushed through on its way out the door. “In the closing days of the Biden administration, they pushed through a large number of rules and regulations that really hurt ordinary Americans, including in their own homes,” White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf said in the Oval Office on May 9, 2025, according to the transcript published by the American Presidency Project [1].

“They are really redoes from some horrible mistakes made by Biden and his group, and we’re changing them back so that we can lead a normal life, a good life,” Trump said [1].

The video above shows Trump signing the bills on May 9, 2025. Quotes are from the American Presidency Project and the Department of Energy [1][2][3].

”Three Hundred Georgians”

The first bill “repeals Biden-era regulations relating to consumer water heaters, consumer gas-fired water heaters,” Scharf said [1].

“Gary Palmer sponsored it, but this bill specifically saves a factory in my district. Three hundred Georgians will continue to have their jobs as soon as you sign that,” said Rep. Brian Jack of Georgia [1].

“Mr. President, this rule was issued on Christmas Eve, thinking that we wouldn’t be keeping up with what the Biden administration was doing,” said Rep. Gary Palmer of Alabama [1].

“Isn’t that ridiculous?” Trump asked. “And how were you supposed to get your heat, then, through electric?” [1]

“Electric heat, which isn’t as good. Crazy,” Trump said [1].

Walk-In Coolers and Freezers

The second bill killed new rules for walk-in coolers and freezers. They were “putting an undue burden on businesses across the country. Everything from restaurants to pharmacies, you know, hospitals were all going to be impacted,” said Rep. Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma [1].

“So this is going to actually help our small businesses across the country, Mr. President,” Bice said [1].

“Many manufacturers would have had to close, stop lines, shut down entire lines of businesses,” said Sen. Ashley Moody of Florida. “They didn’t think about the cost to businesses. They didn’t put American interests first. They didn’t put American businesses first.” [1]

“Common sense. It’s all about common sense, right?” Trump said [1].

”This Fights Inflation”

The third bill covered household appliances. Without it, “when you go buy a washer, a dryer, any appliance, it was going to drive up the cost for consumers. It reduces consumer choice,” said Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio [1].

“But, in the bottom line, we’ve been trying to fight inflation. This fights inflation,” Husted said [1].

“They always say it’s de minimis, but when you add it all up, it costs a lot to American consumers. And this is fighting back,” he said [1].

“Not nearly as good, not nearly as efficient, and more costly. Other than that, it’s wonderful,” Trump said of the rules, to laughter [1].

The fourth bill repealed rules for commercial refrigerators and freezers. “So you’ve just saved the American taxpayer money,” said Rep. Craig Goldman of Texas [1].

Showerheads, Too

Trump asked about the showerhead rules. “The water doesn’t come out of the sink. The water comes out of nowhere. What a shame. What a ridiculous waste,” he said [1].

Later that day, the White House said, Trump “signed a memorandum to eliminate restrictive water pressure and efficiency rules that make household appliances less effective and more expensive.” [2]

“Ultra-efficient washing machines cost at least $100 more according to the Department of Energy,” the White House said [2].

“Updated dishwasher regulations caused those appliances to take two hours or more to complete a normal load of dishes—about twice the time of pre-standards models,” the fact sheet says [2].

Trump also pointed to a model of his missile shield in the Oval Office. “There’s the Golden Dome, by the way, if you’re interested,” he said, to laughter [1].

”Get This War Ended”

Taking questions, Trump said of the trade talks with China that weekend: “We have to make a great deal for America.” He added: “I want China to do great. You know, I’m very friendly with President Xi.” [1]

Asked about a warning of a Russian attack on Kyiv, Trump said: “I have a message for both parties: Get this war ended.” [1]

And of a visit from New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Trump said: “He just came in to say hello.” He added: “But I think he actually came in to thank me.” [1]

By the Numbers

4: bills Trump signed, per Scharf [1].
300: Georgia jobs saved, per Rep. Jack [1].
$100+: the extra cost of ultra-efficient washers, per the White House [2].
47: regulations the Energy Department moved to cut days later [3].
$11 billion: the estimated savings, per the Energy Department [3].

What Happened Next

The Energy Department went further. On May 12, 2025, the department “announced the first step in the Energy Department’s largest deregulatory effort in history, proposing the elimination or reduction of 47 regulations that are driving up costs and lowering quality of life for the American people.” [3]

“Once finalized, these actions will save the American people an estimated $11 billion and cut more than 125,000 words from the Code of Federal Regulations,” the department said [3].

“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are bringing back common sense — slashing regulations meant to appease Green New Deal fantasies, restrict consumer choice and increase costs for the American people. Promises made, promises kept,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said [3].

For Trump’s showerhead order a month earlier, see HYGO News’ page on April 9, 2025. For the Golden Dome, see the page on May 20, 2025.