Definition
Rules rushed through by an outgoing administration in their final months, cramming four years of policy wishes into a last-minute shopping spree. The next administration will spend equal time undoing them, making it government's most expensive game of undo-redo.
Example Usage
Environmental groups cheered the midnight regulations protecting wilderness areas, knowing they'd face immediate legal challenges from the incoming administration.
Origin
From the literal practice of agencies working late into the night during transition periods to finalize rules
Fun Fact
The Congressional Review Act allows Congress to overturn midnight regulations, though it's used selectively based on which party benefits.
Related Terms
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