President Donald Trump has officially designated English as the national language of the United States, signing an executive order that marks a historic shift in federal policy. The order, signed on Saturday, overturns a previous mandate issued by former President Bill Clinton, which required federal agencies to provide language assistance programs for individuals with limited English proficiency.
While Trump’s directive eliminates the federal requirement for language support, agencies still have the discretion to offer assistance as they see fit.
“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 order states.
Although more than 30 states had already adopted English as their official language, this executive order takes the policy to a national level. The move comes at a time when linguistic diversity in the U.S. is increasing—2022 Census Bureau data shows that nearly one in ten Americans speak a language other than English, a figure that has more than tripled since 1980.
The administration claims the decision is intended to “promote unity, cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement.”
While the executive order fulfills a long-standing campaign promise, it has sparked controversy among immigrant advocacy groups and civil rights organizations. Critics argue that removing federal language assistance requirements could disproportionately impact millions of non-English speakers, potentially limiting access to essential government services and civic participation.
The order is expected to face legal challenges as advocacy groups and lawmakers weigh potential actions against the policy. As debates unfold, its impact on communities, government operations, and public discourse remains to be seen.
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