Here, we show that p53 engages the FOXQ1 promoter and suppresses its activity, and that common cancer-associated TP53 mutations result in the derepression of FOXQ1. These observations suggest that the increased FOXQ1 expression observed in many cancers may be explained in part by loss of function of the p53 tumor suppressor, which may have important implications for tumor progression and metastasis. Here, FOXQ1 is linked to neoplasm.