President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order making English the official language of the United States. This historic move would establish a national language for the first time in the country's history, marking a significant policy shift. Three White House officials confirmed the plan to CNBC, with The Wall Street Journal initially reporting the development on Friday morning.
The executive order would rescind a directive issued by former President Bill Clinton in August 2000. That directive required federal funding recipients to offer services for people with limited English proficiency. Despite the rescission, federal agencies will maintain their current policies and continue providing documents and services in other languages. This means that the new order will not affect the rights of non-English speakers to receive government services.
A fact sheet shared with CNBC highlights that the order "encourages new Americans to adopt a national language that opens doors to greater opportunities." The order aims to promote unity and inclusivity while serving as a step towards fostering a common language in the United States. However, it will not change the current language requirements for federal agencies.
The executive order is expected to be signed by President Trump imminently. By promoting English as the official language, the administration intends to encourage new Americans to integrate more fully into society, potentially enhancing their social and economic opportunities.
Despite some concerns about limiting access for non-English speakers, officials emphasize that the order will not impact the ability of federal agencies to provide necessary services in other languages. This ensures that inclusivity remains a core tenet of federal operations.