Washington: US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Saturday to make English the official language of the nation. Trump stated in his order that English has been used as the national language since the country’s founding, emphasizing that it is long overdue for it to be declared the official language of the United States.
According to Anadolu Agency, the order overturns a 25-year-old directive from former President Bill Clinton which required federal agencies and other entities receiving federal funding to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. This move is anticipated to negatively impact immigrant communities and individuals seeking assistance in learning English, as noted by advocacy groups.
Trump argued that designating English as the official language serves the US’ best interest by promoting unity, ensuring consistency in government operations, and creating a pathway to civic engagement. He remarked, “Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society.”
In a parallel move, the Trump administration, shortly after taking office in January, shut down the Spanish-language version of the White House website and social media accounts. Spanish ranks as the second-most spoken language in the US, underscoring the strong presence of the Latino community. A 2022 report from the US Census Bureau highlighted that 62% of individuals who speak a language other than English at home in the US speak Spanish.
This executive order aligns with Trump’s ongoing efforts to address migration to the US, characterized by the deportation of thousands of migrants, primarily from Latin America, as he pledges to execute the largest mass deportation program in US history. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump criticized the use of languages other than English, stating that migrants who do not speak English are being “dropped” into US communities.