Trump signed an executive order to designate English as the official language of the United States.

Trump signed an executive order to designate English as the official language of the United States.

The United States has a new official language, following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on March 1, 2025. English, which has been the de facto national language for centuries, is now officially recognized as the language of the land [1].

Trump's move to declare English as the official language of the United States was not unexpected. It fulfills a campaign promise made during his 2016 presidential run and aligns with his administration's efforts to promote a unified and cohesive society [1]. The order rescinds a policy issued by former President Bill Clinton in 2000, which required federal agencies to provide assistance programs for individuals with limited English proficiency [1].

The executive order comes at a time when the number of people in the United States who speak languages other than English continues to grow. According to the U.S. Census, approximately one in ten people in the country now speak a language other than English, more than triple the amount compared to 1980 [1].

The order has received mixed reactions. Supporters argue that it promotes unity, cultivates a shared American culture, ensures consistency in government operations, and creates a pathway to civic engagement [1]. Critics, however, claim that it will hurt immigrant communities and those looking for assistance learning English [1].

The order does not require federal agencies to change their services or stop producing documents, products, or other services in languages other than English [2]. Instead, it allows agencies to make decisions as they deem necessary to fulfill their respective missions and efficiently provide government services to the American people [2].

In conclusion, President Trump's executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States is a significant development that reflects the country's long-standing tradition of using English as its national language. The order has received mixed reactions and will likely continue to be a topic of debate in the coming days and weeks.

References:
[1] NPR. (2025, March 1). Trump English-Official-Language-Executive-Order. https://www.npr.org/2025/03/01/nx-s1-5313883/trump-english-official-language-executive-order
[2] The White House. (2025, March 1). Designating English as the Official Language of the United States. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/designating-english-as-the-official-language-of-the-united-states/