In a move aimed at unifying the nation, President Donald Trump on Saturday signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States. The White House stated that the decision is long overdue and would promote cohesion in a country shaped by immigration from diverse parts of the world.
The executive order asserts that a nationally recognized language is fundamental to a unified and cohesive society. “A nationally designated language is at the core of a unified and cohesive society, and the United States is strengthened by a citizenry that can freely exchange ideas in one shared language,” the document reads.
The new order also revokes a 1990s mandate under then-President Bill Clinton, which required federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funds to provide assistance to non-English speakers. However, the executive order allows federal agencies the flexibility to determine the level of support they will offer in languages other than English.
“Nothing in this order… requires or directs any change in the services provided by any agency,” the directive states, emphasizing that agency heads are responsible for determining what is necessary to fulfill their respective missions and provide efficient government services.
While the White House acknowledges that more than 350 languages are spoken across the United States, the order emphasizes that English has been the nation’s primary language since its founding. The document also highlights that key American governing texts, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, were written in English.
U.S. government figures from 2019 reveal that nearly 68 million people speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish being the most widely spoken non-English language. In addition to Spanish, many American communities speak other immigrant languages, including Chinese and Vietnamese, alongside Native American languages.
This executive order is part of a broader series of initiatives Trump has pursued since taking office, though many of his actions have faced legal challenges. Despite this, the White House has continued to push forward with its right-wing policies, including this latest move to prioritize English as the country’s official language.
