Trump declares English the official language of the U.S., reversing a Clinton-era policy. The executive order aims to streamline communication and integration.
 |
| US President Donald Trump signs an executive order declaring English as the nation’s official language, changing federal multilingual service policies. |
Washington, United States – March 3, 2025:
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order establishing English as the official language of the United States, marking a historic shift in federal language policy, according to a White House statement issued .
The order, signed on Sunday, grants government agencies and federally funded organizations the discretion to determine whether to provide documents and services in languages other than English. It overturns a 2000 policy introduced by former President Bill Clinton that mandated language assistance for non-English speakers.
"Establishing English as the official language will streamline communication, reinforce shared national values, and foster a more cohesive and efficient society," the executive order states.
This marks the first time in nearly 250 years that the U.S. has formally designated a national language at the federal level. However, the order clarifies that agencies are not required to eliminate or alter existing language assistance programs.
Trump’s order highlights the importance of English in unifying the nation, stating that promoting its learning and adoption will help immigrants integrate, achieve the American dream, and contribute to society. It also underscores the economic and social benefits of English proficiency, enabling newcomers to fully engage in their communities and participate in national traditions.
While the order acknowledges the country’s multilingual heritage, it celebrates past 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, and Arabic are among the most commonly spoken non-English languages in the U.S.
Previous Republican-led efforts to declare English the official language, including a failed 2021 legislative attempt, faced opposition. Critics argued that an official language designation was unnecessary given English’s dominance and could lead to discrimination against non-English speakers.
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump linked non-English languages to his push for stricter immigration policies, stating, "They have languages that nobody in this country has ever heard of. It’s a very horrible thing."
Globally, nearly 180 countries have official national languages, with many recognizing multiple languages. The United Kingdom remains one of the few 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.