President Donald Trump has issued an executive order establishing English as the official language of the United States.
In accordance with the order released on Saturday, government agencies and organizations receiving federal funds are now permitted to decide whether to provide documents and services in languages other than English.
This order overturns a directive from former President Bill Clinton that required the government and organizations receiving federal funding to offer language assistance to those who do not speak English.
“By setting English as the official language, we aim to improve communication efficiency and consolidate national values, thereby fostering a more unified and efficient society,” the order states.
The order further emphasizes that encouraging the learning and use of our national language will transform the United States into a shared home, empowering new citizens to pursue the American dream. “Proficiency in English not only opens economic doors, but it also enables newcomers to participate in their communities, celebrate national traditions, and contribute to our society,” it states.
More than 30 states have already established English as their official language, according to US English, a group that promotes this initiative nationwide.
For years, lawmakers in Congress have introduced legislation to make English the official language of the US, but these efforts have yet to succeed.
Shortly after Trump’s inauguration last month, the Spanish-language version of the White House website was removed by the new administration.
Hispanic advocacy groups and other stakeholders have expressed confusion and concern over this change. The White House has stated its commitment to restoring the Spanish-language version of the website but, as of Saturday, it remains offline.
The White House did not immediately provide information regarding the plan to restore the site.
Trump also deactivated the Spanish site during his first term. It was reactivated upon President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021.
