Trump Makes History: Signs Executive Order Declaring English as the Official Language of the U.S.
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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States. This move revokes a 2000 mandate by President Bill Clinton that required federal agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide language assistance to non-English speakers.
The executive order allows government-funded entities to reduce language accessibility standards, potentially affecting non-English speakers’ access to federal services, citizenship processes, and voting. Critics argue that this decision promotes xenophobia and discrimination, particularly impacting communities where languages other than English are prevalent, such as Puerto Rico, where Spanish predominates.
Advocates for the order contend that establishing a unified national language will foster societal cohesion and facilitate civic engagement. They believe it will empower immigrants to achieve the American dream through a common language.
Historically, the U.S. has not had an official language, though English has been the predominant language used in government and daily life. The executive order aligns with Trump’s previous rhetoric against multilingualism and immigration policies.
