President Trump has signed an executive order (EO) declaring English the official language of the US, effectively rescinding a mandate established by President Clinton that required government entities to provide language assistance to individuals who do not speak English. However, the order grants federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funds the autonomy to decide whether they will continue offering services and documents in languages other than English and makes no mention of funding for language services.
The EO states that it is “long past time that English is declared as the official language of the United States,” and that, “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.”
The move is justified in the order by claims that it will “streamline communication,” “reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society.” However, the order has been met with widespread opposition including that of TESOL International Association, which claimed in a statement that: “This EO establishes U.S. federal policy guidance that leads to discriminatory practices against multilingual learners of English, in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; by rescinding the 2000 EO 13166, which directed federal agencies to improve access for individuals with limited English proficiency, this EO creates barriers to full and equal participation in public services, including education, for the millions of multilingual learners of English living in the United States.
According to its statement, TESOL will respond with the following actions: “partner with peer associations advocating against this divisive policy to support and advance fair and equal access to public services, especially education; work with government agencies to ensure that the progress made over the past two decades, especially the development of each agency’s language access plan under the 2000 EO 13166 [which directed federal agencies to improve access for individuals with limited English proficiency] is not only preserved but continues; petition congressional action that recognizes and values the linguistic and cultural diversity of our nation and supports the tenets of EO 13166 in encouraging improvement and access to government services for multilingual learners of English; submit public comment to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights briefing, Language Access for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency, on the importance of overcoming language barriers for access to government services; and provide education and advocacy resources to our members and the public that serve multilingual learners and their families.”
The EO recognizes that more than 350 languages are spoken in the US, but English “has been the language of our nation” since its founding, so “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.”
The order claims that a national language promotes a sense of national identity, unity and a “pathway for civic engagement.” The order “celebrates multilingual Americans who have learned English and passed it down, while empowering immigrants to achieve the American Dream through a common language.”
Agencies will still be allowed to provide services and documents in other languages.
While many federal agencies and state and local governments have moved to make services more accessible to non-English speakers over the last several decades, congressional Republicans have tried, unsuccessfully, to pass legislation that would make English the national language. However, more than 30 states have already passed legislation adopting English as an official language.
While a senator, Vice President JD Vance introduced the English Language Unity Act, which would have directed the government to perform all official business in English and updated English language testing standards for people seeking citizenship.
The Spanish-language version of the White House website remains down since the inauguration, despite the administration saying it intended to restore the website online more than a month ago.
Here is the full text of the Executive Order:
Designating English as the Official Language of The United States
March 1, 2025
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.
(c) 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.
(c) 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.
