On Saturday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the US.
The order allows government agencies and organizations that receive federal funding to choose whether to continue providing documents and services in languages other than English.
It repeals former President Bill Clinton’s mandate that the government and federally funded organizations provide language assistance to non-English speakers.
“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,” as per the decree.
“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,” according to the order. “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.”
According to U.S. English, a group that advocates for English to be the official language of the United States, more than 30 states have already passed laws designating it as such.
For decades, members of Congress have introduced legislation to make English the official language of the United States, but those efforts have failed.
Within hours of Trump’s inauguration last month, the new administration removed the Spanish-language version of the official White House website.
Hispanic advocacy groups and others expressed confusion and frustration with the change. The White House stated at the time that it was committed to bringing the Spanish-language version of the website back online. As of Saturday, it had still not been restored.
The White House did not immediately respond to a message asking if that would happen.
During his first term, Trump shut down the Spanish-language version of the website. It was reinstated when President Joe Biden was inaugurated in 2021.
