US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order establishing English as the official language of the United States.
This decision allows government agencies and federally funded organizations to decide whether to provide documents and services in languages other than English. The order overturns a 2000 policy by former President Bill Clinton that mandated language assistance for non-English speakers.
Trump set to sign order declaring English the official U.S. language
The executive order states, "Establishing English as the official language will streamline communication, reinforce shared national values, and foster a more cohesive and efficient society."
This marks the first time in nearly 250 years that the U.S. has designated an official language at the federal level. However, the order clarifies that agencies are not required to eliminate or alter existing language assistance programs.
The order emphasizes the importance of English in uniting the nation, stating, "Encouraging the learning and adoption of our national language will help new Americans integrate, achieve the American dream, and contribute to society."
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It also highlights the economic and social benefits of English proficiency, enabling newcomers to engage in their communities and participate in national traditions.
The order acknowledges the multilingual heritage of the U.S., celebrating generations of Americans who have learned English and passed it on to their children.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 68 million of the country's 340 million residents speak a language other than English, including over 160 Native American languages. Spanish, Chinese languages, and Arabic are among the most commonly spoken non-English languages.
Previous attempts by Republicans to designate English as the official language, including a failed 2021 legislative effort, faced opposition. Critics argued that an official language was unnecessary given the widespread use of English and could lead to discrimination against non-English speakers.
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump linked non-English languages to his calls for stricter immigration policies, claiming, "They have languages that nobody in this country has ever heard of. It's a very horrible thing."
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Globally, around 180 countries have official national languages, with many recognizing multiple languages. The United Kingdom is among the few countries without an official language. In the U.S., more than 30 states have designated English as their official language, while Alaska and Hawaii have also granted official status to several native languages.
Source: BBC