Trump signs executive order designating English official language of US

President Trump designated English as the official U.S. language in a Saturday executive order that repealed former President Clinton’s executive action aiding individuals who are limited in their English proficiency. 

The order makes it so federal agencies are no longer required to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. 

Federal agencies will still have the option to provide documents and other services in foreign languages.

The president said the goal of the order is to “promote unity, cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations.”

“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,” Trump wrote in the order. 

“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,” he added. 

Trump has directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to provide updated guidance, consistent with applicable law on permissible services. 

The order rescinds Clinton's 2000 order "to improve access to federally conducted and federally assisted programs and activities for persons who, as a result of national origin, are limited in their English proficiency."