WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump is set to issue an executive order today to make English the official language of the United States at a historic first at the federal level. This order will revoke an edict issued by former President Bill Clinton obliging federally funded agencies to offer language assistance to speakers other than English.
Agencies will now be given the latitude to provide services in other languages but are no longer required to do so under the new order. The Trump administration argues that the step is taken to make Americans one on language, make the government more efficient, and encourage civic participation. Though there is linguistic diversity within the U.S., with more than 350 languages used countrywide, English is the most dominant.
Over 30 states have already made English an official language. Earlier attempts at the federal level to make a national language official have failed. This executive order follows President Trump’s long-held position of promoting English as the official language, a position he reaffirmed in his 2024 presidential campaign.
Along with this policy change, the administration previously made moves including the elimination of the Spanish-language version of the White House website, a step that was condemned by Hispanic lobby groups. Though there was some initial promise to revive the Spanish-language site, it is currently dormant.
Critics feel that this choice can isolate non-English-speaking communities and diminish access to crucial government services. Supporters have said that it will promote national cohesion and improve governmental efficiency.
