Fact Sheets

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Designates English as the Official Language of the United States

DESIGNATING ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order designating English as the official language of the United States.

  • The Order rescinds a Clinton-era mandate that required agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide extensive language assistance to non-English speakers.  
  • This designation specifically allows agencies to keep current policies and provide documents and services in other languages, but encourages new Americans to adopt a national language that opens doors to greater opportunities.
  • Agencies will have flexibility to decide how and when to offer services in languages other than English to best serve the American people and fulfill their agency mission.

UNIFYING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE: It is long past time English is recognized as the official language of the United States.

  • Since our nation’s founding, English has been the language of our nation, with historic documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution written in English.
  • A national language strengthens the fabric of our society, empowering citizens old and new.
  • While over 350 languages are spoken in the United States, English remains the most widely used across the country.
  • Roughly 180 countries have an official language – the United States is one of the few nations in the world to have no official language designated.
  • More than 30 states and five U.S. territories have already embraced English as the official language.
  • Establishing English as the official language promotes unity, establishes efficiency in government operations, and creates a pathway for civic engagement.
  • This Order celebrates multilingual Americans who have learned English and passed it down, while empowering immigrants to achieve the American Dream through a common language.

PROMISES KEPT: President Trump has long championed the idea that English should be the official language of the United States.

  • With this Executive Order, President Trump affirms that a common language fosters national cohesion, helps newcomers engage in communities and traditions, and enriches our shared culture.