Trump Declares English as Official U.S. Language in Executive Order
U.S. President Donald Trump has officially designated English as the country’s official language, emphasizing its role in fostering national unity in a nation shaped by immigration.
In an executive order released by the White House, Trump stated that it was “long overdue” to formally recognize English as the national language, asserting that a common language strengthens communication and societal cohesion.
The order overturns a policy from the 1990s, enacted during President Bill Clinton’s administration, which mandated federal agencies and federally funded institutions to offer assistance in multiple languages. However, the new directive allows agencies to determine the level of non-English support they deem necessary.
“This order does not require changes to the services provided by any agency,” the document clarifies, granting department heads discretion in ensuring efficient public service delivery.
Trump has issued numerous executive orders early in his presidency, many of which have faced legal challenges, especially when attempting to revoke congressional funding.
The White House acknowledged that over 350 languages are spoken in the U.S. but stressed that English has historically been the country’s primary language, as reflected in foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
According to 2019 government data, nearly 68 million people in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish being the most common, spoken by over 40 million individuals. Other prevalent languages include Chinese, Vietnamese, and numerous Native American dialects, reflecting the nation’s diverse linguistic landscape.
