Trump Signs Executive Order Declaring English as Official U.S. Language

On Saturday, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order officially declaring English the designated language of the United States. Under this directive, government agencies and federally-funded organizations are now permitted to decide independently whether to continue providing services and documents in languages other than English.

Previously, under an order enacted by President Bill Clinton, organizations receiving federal funding had to offer assistance in multiple languages, ensuring support for non-English speakers. Trump's executive order repeals this requirement, suggesting that asserting English as the official language will help simplify governmental communications, strengthen common national values, and foster societal unity.

The executive order emphasizes that encouraging the use of English among new citizens will empower them, fostering economic opportunities and enabling greater participation in community and societal activities. It argues that proficiency in English helps new arrivals engage meaningfully in their communities, celebrate national customs, contribute positively to society, and pursue the "American dream."

This move follows the lead of over 30 states across the country, which have already passed legislation designating English as their official language. Advocates like the group "U.S. English," which supports making English the country’s formal language, have long campaigned for such a measure. However, similar legislative attempts at the federal level have repeatedly failed in Congress over the years.

In a related move highlighting his administration's attitude toward multilingual communication, shortly after his inauguration, President Trump took down the Spanish-language version of the official White House website. This action led to criticism and confusion among Hispanic advocacy groups. Although officials at the time indicated they intended to restore the Spanish-language website, it remained unavailable during Trump's presidency and was reinstated only when President Joe Biden assumed office in 2021.