US President Donald Trump has enacted an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States. This order empowers government agencies and federally funded organisations to decide whether to provide services and documents in languages other than English. It reverses a directive from former President Bill Clinton, which mandated that federal bodies assist non-English speakers with language support.
The executive order outlines that establishing English as the official language aims to enhance communication, foster shared national values, and cultivate a more unified and efficient society. It encourages new Americans to learn and adopt English, claiming that doing so will not only strengthen their ties to the country but also help them realise the American dream. It promotes the idea that proficiency in English is essential for economic opportunities, community engagement, and participation in national traditions.
More than 30 states have previously accepted laws to designate English as their official language, according to US English, an advocacy group that champions this cause. There have been ongoing attempts by Congress members over the years to legislate English as the official language at the national level, but these efforts have not yielded success.
Shortly after Trump’s inauguration, the administration removed the Spanish version of the White House website, an action that created dissatisfaction among Hispanic advocacy groups and other organisations. While the White House had indicated a commitment to reinstating the Spanish website, it remained unavailable as of the most recent reports.
During Trump’s first term, the Spanish version was also taken down but was restored when President Joe Biden took office in 2021. The situation continues to evoke mixed reactions within communities, particularly among non-English speakers who seek accessibility to information and services in their native languages.