The official language of USA is set to be formally recognized as English under a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump. This move marks a significant shift in federal language policies and will impact various government operations.
Trump’s executive order rescinds a 2000 mandate issued by former President Bill Clinton, which required federal agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide language assistance for non-English speakers. A White House official confirmed that the administration aims to standardize English as the official language of USA while allowing agencies to determine if multilingual services remain necessary.
Historically, the United States has never designated an official language of USA, despite English being used in the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and all major government documents. With approximately 180 of the 195 countries worldwide having an official language, the U.S. remains one of the few exceptions.
During his 2024 campaign, Trump frequently mentioned the need for linguistic unity, linking it to immigration policies. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, he criticized the influx of new languages and the challenges they pose for integration.
“We have languages coming into our country that no instructor in the entire nation can even teach. It’s a situation we’ve never seen before,” Trump stated, emphasizing his stance on making English the official language of USA.
The order is framed as a way to celebrate multilingual Americans who have learned English and to encourage immigrants to adopt a common language for achieving the American dream. However, the decision has sparked debate regarding access to government services for non-English speakers.
Since retaking office in January, Trump has signed over 76 executive orders, including renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and restoring the name of Mount McKinley, reversing its previous designation as Denali.
With this latest action, the administration reinforces its commitment to English as the nation’s unifying language. The long-term implications of the order remain to be seen as agencies assess its impact on public services.