Trump Signs Right-to-Repair Memo So Americans Can Their Own Damned Cars

For many Americans, owning a vehicle has always meant having the freedom to maintain and repair it. Whether that meant changing parts in the driveway or taking the car to a trusted neighborhood mechanic, competition kept prices down and gave consumers choices. Supporters of the growing right-to-repair movement argue that this freedom has slowly been disappearing as modern vehicles have become increasingly dependent on software, proprietary diagnostic systems, and manufacturer-controlled repair tools.

President Donald Trump took a step aimed at reversing that trend by signing a presidential memorandum titled “Lowering the Cost of Living by Promoting the Freedom to Fix.” While the memorandum does not carry the force of law, it directs the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider enforcement policies that may prevent Americans from repairing their own vehicles and to provide clearer guidance on what repairs are permitted under federal emissions laws.

For many vehicle owners, the move represents a push toward restoring consumer choice and making car ownership less expensive.

What Trump Signed

Trump’s memorandum directs EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to review federal policies that may discourage people from repairing their own vehicles, particularly repairs involving emissions systems covered by the Clean Air Act. The memo also encourages faster approval of aftermarket replacement parts and calls for the EPA to avoid taking enforcement actions against individuals who make good faith efforts to restore their vehicles to their original operating condition.

Trump described the policy as an extension of an earlier order covering farm equipment and other machinery.

“It’s really common sense,” Trump said. “Many Americans are better at fixing their own cars than mechanics.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Trump added that the policy would “save them a lot of money” because people would be able to perform repairs themselves instead of relying exclusively on dealerships or specialized repair facilities.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin echoed that message, saying the administration would not “be going after people who are fixing their own vehicles like past administrations have.”

Why Repairing Cars Has Become More Difficult

Supporters of right to repair argue that modern vehicles are becoming increasingly difficult for owners and independent repair shops to service because automakers control access to the software and electronic systems required to diagnose many problems.

Today’s vehicles contain sophisticated computers that monitor engine performance, braking systems, emissions equipment, sensors, maintenance schedules, and countless other functions. Even routine repairs often require access to digital diagnostic information, calibration software, specialized scan tools, and manufacturer databases.

Independent repair shops argue that they frequently cannot obtain the information needed to determine what is wrong with a customer’s vehicle.

Without access to those systems, a repair shop may have no choice but to send the customer to a dealership.

According to information cited by right-to-repair advocates, one out of every four independent repair shops lacks access to electronic tools needed to repair certain vehicles. Nearly two-thirds report increasing difficulty performing repairs that were once considered routine.

As vehicles continue becoming more software dependent, supporters argue that these barriers will only increase.

Why Many Consumers End Up Paying More

Critics say these restrictions have shifted more repair work toward dealerships, where service costs are often significantly higher.

Historically, independent repair shops have handled the vast majority of post warranty vehicle repairs in the United States. Increased restrictions on repair information and diagnostic software have made that more difficult.

Supporters of repair reform argue that manufacturers increasingly require repairs to be performed using proprietary software, manufacturer subscriptions, specialized diagnostic equipment, and dealership service networks.

Aftermarket replacement parts often provide another opportunity for savings. Repair advocates note that many aftermarket components can cost substantially less than original manufacturer parts while still meeting quality and safety standards.

Trump’s memorandum also seeks to reduce delays involving approval of aftermarket emissions related parts. The administration criticized California’s approval process, saying it can take more than a year to certify certain replacement parts, increasing costs for consumers and limiting competition.

Supporters believe that making aftermarket parts more readily available could reduce repair expenses for millions of vehicle owners.

The Larger Right-to-Repair Debate

The memorandum addresses only part of the broader right-to-repair movement.

Many advocates want Congress to go much further by requiring automakers to provide independent repair facilities with access to diagnostic codes, repair information, calibration tools, software interfaces, and other vehicle data necessary to service modern automobiles.

Nathan Proctor of U.S. PIRG said Trump’s memorandum does not fully resolve those concerns but welcomed the administration’s support for the overall goal.

“Hopefully we can continue momentum and secure lasting protections that ensure a robust, competitive car repair market that honors our rights as owners,” he said.

Industry groups remain divided.

Organizations representing independent repair businesses and aftermarket manufacturers praised Trump’s action as an important step toward increasing competition and lowering repair costs.

Automakers generally argue that restrictions help protect vehicle safety, cybersecurity, emissions compliance, confidential business information, and proprietary technology.

John Bozzella, president of the Alliance for Auto Innovation, said the industry shares the administration’s priorities of “more vehicle choice, more vehicle affordability and a policy that ensures America’s car owners remain free to fix their vehicles anytime, anywhere.”

Dealer organizations have expressed concern that expanding access to repair information could increase the use of aftermarket replacement parts and create additional competition for dealership service departments.

Putting Consumers Back in Control

For supporters of right to repair, the issue comes down to a simple principle.

When someone purchases a vehicle, they believe ownership should include the ability to decide who repairs it, where it is repaired, and what replacement parts are used whenever safety and legal requirements are met.

Over the past several years, increasingly complex software systems and manufacturer controlled repair tools have made that more difficult and, critics argue, much more expensive.

Trump’s memorandum does not solve every issue facing vehicle owners, but supporters see it as a meaningful step toward restoring consumer choice. By encouraging greater access to repairs, reducing uncertainty surrounding emissions related maintenance, and supporting the availability of aftermarket parts, the administration is signaling that vehicle owners should have more control over property they have already paid for.

For millions of Americans facing rising repair bills, that could mean more affordable options, stronger competition, and fewer situations where the only available answer is an expensive trip back to the dealership.