Designating English as the Official Language of The United States

Executive Orders

TLDR

This executive order designates English as the official language of the United States, revokes previous requirements for federal agencies to provide language assistance to those with limited English proficiency, and creates a discretionary environment where agencies can eliminate translation services. While framed as promoting “national unity” and “government efficiency,” critics argue it creates barriers for non-English speakers, raises constitutional concerns, and diverges from the approach of many diverse democracies that recognize multiple official languages.

This executive order designates English as the official language of the United States for the first time in the nation’s history. This analysis examines the order’s implications, opposition, and broader context as part of Trump’s governance agenda.

The revokes Executive Order 13166) which required federal agencies to provide language assistance to those with limited English proficiency.

While seeming to offer flexibility by stating agencies aren’t required to stop multilingual services, the order:

  • Removes the federal mandate for language assistance
  • Directs the Attorney General to rescind previous policy guidance
  • Creates a discretionary environment where agencies can eliminate translation services

This represents a significant policy shift in a nation where approximately 22% of residents speak a language other than English at home and over 350 languages are spoken across the country.

The White House frames this order as promoting “national unity,” “government efficiency,” and “civic participation.” However, the order appears designed to create barriers for non-English speakers while maintaining plausible deniability about its intentions.

The removal of language access requirements will likely:

  • Make it harder for non-English speakers to access government services
  • Create obstacles for civic participation, including voting
  • Disproportionately impact immigrant communities and U.S. territories

The order also raises substantial constitutional concerns around due process and equal protection which will likely result in numerous legal challenges.

Despite the absence of explicit directives, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could readily target translation services:

  • The revocation of EO 13166 creates a policy vacuum where previously mandated services are now discretionary
  • The order’s framing of English as promoting “efficiency” provides justification to classify translation as unnecessary spending
  • The administration’s early removal of Spanish content from the White House website signals a focus on language restriction
  • Agencies without strong internal commitment to language access are particularly vulnerable to cost-cutting pressure

The U.S. approach diverges from many diverse democracies that recognize multiple official languages. Canada, for example, recognizes both English and French to ensure “equality of status” and safeguard linguistic minorities.

While framed as promoting unity, this executive order appears designed to restrict access to government services for non-English speakers and advance a narrower vision of American identity. The discretionary implementation approach creates a mechanism for gradually eliminating language services while maintaining political cover. As implementation unfolds, the tension between symbolic nationalism and the practical needs of a linguistically diverse population will continue, with likely legal challenges ahead.

REFERENCES

  • Trump signs executive order making English official language of the US — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States, allowing federal agencies and organizations receiving government funding to choose whether to continue offering services in languages other than English. The directive rescinds Clinton-era rules requiring language assistance for non-English speakers, drawing mixed reactions with supporters viewing it as promoting national unity while critics argue it could disproportionately affect non-English-speaking immigrants and communities.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.

Purpose and Policy.

From the founding of our Republic, English has been used as our national language. Our Nation’s historic governing documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, have all been written in English. It is therefore long past time that English is declared as the official language of the United States. A nationally designated language is at the core of a unified and cohesive society, and the United States is strengthened by a citizenry that can freely exchange ideas in one shared language.

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. 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. This order recognizes and celebrates the long tradition of multilingual American citizens who have learned English and passed it to their children for generations to come.

To promote unity, cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement, it is in America’s best interest for the Federal Government to designate one — and only one — official language. 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.

Accordingly, this order designates English as the official language of the United States.

Sec. 2.

Definitions.

For purposes of this order:

(a) “Agency” has the meaning given to it in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code, except that such term does not include the Executive Office of the President or any components thereof.

(b) “Agency Head” means the highest-ranking official of an agency, such as the Secretary, Administrator, Chairman, or Director, unless otherwise specified in this order.

Sec. 3.

Designating an Official Language for the United States.

(a) English is the official language of the United States.

(b) Executive Order 13166 of August 11, 2000 (Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency), is hereby revoked; nothing in this order, however, requires or directs any change in the services provided by any agency. Agency heads should make decisions as they deem necessary to fulfill their respective agencies’ mission and efficiently provide Government services to the American people. Agency heads are not required to amend, remove, or otherwise stop production of documents, products, or other services prepared or offered in languages other than English.

© The Attorney General shall rescind any policy guidance documents issued pursuant to Executive Order 13166 and provide updated guidance, consistent with applicable law.

Sec. 4.

General Provisions.

(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

© This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 1, 2025.