Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trump Signs Historic Order Declaring English Official Language

2/28/2025

50 4

Summary

Story summary

President Trump is set to make history by signing an executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States. This bold move will dismantle a Clinton-era policy that mandated federal agencies to support non-English speakers. The administration believes this will foster unity and streamline government operations, while still permitting services in other languages.

History

Historical Context

President Trump's executive order to declare English as the official language of the U.S. echoes past language policies, notably the English-only movement of the 1980s and 1990s. This shift aims to unify communication but risks marginalizing non-English speakers, reminiscent of the 1999 failed ratification of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in France, which faced backlash for prioritizing French over regional languages.

1 of 2

Story summary

President Trump is set to make history by signing an executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States. This bold move will dismantle a Clinton-era policy that mandated federal agencies to support non-English speakers. The administration believes this will foster unity and streamline government operations, while still permitting services in other languages.

1 / 2