President Donald Trump has issued an executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States.
Under this order, government agencies and federally funded organizations now have the option to decide whether they will offer services and documents in languages other than English. This move overturns a policy introduced by former President Bill Clinton in 2000, which required such entities to provide language assistance to individuals who do not speak English.
“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,” the order states.
This decision 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 discontinue any language assistance services they currently provide.
“In welcoming new Americans, a policy of encouraging the learning and adoption of our national language will make the United States a shared home and empower new citizens to achieve the American dream,” it further states.
The executive order also argues that proficiency in English is beneficial both economically and socially, stating, “Speaking English not only opens doors economically, but it helps newcomers engage in their communities, participate in national traditions, and give back to our society.”
At the same time, it acknowledges America’s multilingual history, emphasizing that the country has a “long tradition of multilingual American citizens who have learned English and passed it to their children for generations to come.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 68 million residents out of the country’s 340 million people speak a language other than English at home. Among these, there are over 160 Native American languages.
Spanish, various Chinese languages, and Arabic are among the most widely spoken languages in the U.S. after English, according to Census Bureau data.
Efforts to declare English as the official language have been made in the past, particularly by Republican lawmakers. Members of the House introduced legislation in 2021 seeking to establish English as the official national language, but the bill did not pass.
Critics of such measures have argued that there is no need for an official language, as English is already widely spoken across the U.S. They have also expressed concerns that this move could lead to discrimination against individuals who do not speak English fluently.
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump made references to non-English languages while advocating for stricter immigration policies.
“It’s the craziest thing – they have languages that nobody in this country has ever heard of. It’s a very horrible thing,” he told his supporters in February 2024.
Across the world, around 180 countries have designated official national languages, and many of them recognize multiple official languages.
Some nations, including the United Kingdom, do not have an official language.
Currently, more than 30 U.S. states have already designated English as their official language. Additionally, Alaska and Hawaii have granted official status to several indigenous languages.