Office of Speaker Mike Johnson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
President Trump to Declare English as Official U.S. Language
February 28, 2025
In a landmark move, President Donald Trump is poised to sign an executive order today, officially designating English as the United States’ national language. This unprecedented action aims to promote national unity and streamline governmental operations.
The executive order will rescind a mandate from former President Bill Clinton’s administration, which required federal agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. While agencies will still have the discretion to offer services in other languages, the primary objective is to establish English as the standard for official government business.
According to a summary of the order viewed by The Wall Street Journal, the initiative seeks to “promote unity, establish efficiency in the government, and provide a pathway to civic engagement.” The United States has never had an official language at the federal level, despite English being predominantly used in official documents and proceedings.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that over 78% of Americans speak only English at home. However, millions primarily use other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, and Arabic. The executive order is expected to impact how federal agencies interact with these communities, potentially reducing the availability of multilingual services.
Vice President JD Vance, during his tenure as a senator from Ohio, introduced the English Language Unity Act. This proposed legislation called for the federal government to conduct all official business in English and sought to implement a language-testing standard for individuals pursuing U.S. citizenship.
Critics argue that this move may marginalize non-English-speaking communities and overlook the multicultural fabric of the nation. Proponents, however, believe that establishing English as the official language will enhance civic participation and governmental efficiency.
This development marks a significant shift in U.S. language policy, reflecting the administration’s broader agenda on immigration and national identity.
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