President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order this Friday designating English as the official language of the United States. This move is aimed at "promoting unity" across the nation, according to a document provided by a White House official.
The anonymous official emphasized, "It's about time English is officially recognized as the language of the United States." This executive order will overturn a directive from 2000, established by former President Bill Clinton, which aimed to improve access to public services for individuals with limited English proficiency.
According to AFP, the new order underscores that "a common language fosters national cohesion, assists newcomers in engaging with community life and traditions, and enriches our shared culture." This decree marks the second instance of Spanish being sidelined since Trump resumed office on January 20, 2025. His administration had previously shut down the Spanish version of the White House website and removed government social media accounts in Spanish, actions he had initially taken during his first term in 2017.
In the United States, over 43 million people are native Spanish speakers, with the number rising to 57 million when including those with limited proficiency, as reported by The Hispanic Council in April 2024. These figures have played a crucial role in electoral campaigns, where politicians, including Trump, have released ads in Spanish. Notably, Trump garnered substantial support from Latino voters, particularly among men.
Efforts to declare English as the official language have repeatedly failed in Congress over the past century. However, Trump remains steadfast in advocating for English as the nation's primary language, especially given his administration's hardline stance on immigration.
"We are an English-speaking country, not a Spanish-speaking one," Trump declared during a Republican primary debate in 2015. This statement continues to be a cornerstone of his political philosophy, which he asserts is focused on the "recovery" of "American identity."
Frequently Asked Questions About Trump's Language Policy
Why is Trump making English the official language?
Trump argues that establishing English as the official language promotes national unity and helps newcomers integrate into American culture.
What was the previous policy regarding language in the U.S.?
The previous policy, enacted under President Bill Clinton, aimed to improve access to public services for those with limited English proficiency.
How many people speak Spanish in the United States?
More than 43 million people speak Spanish natively in the U.S., with a total of 57 million when including those with limited proficiency.