Trump Declares English as Official Language of the United States

Washington, D.C. The Gulf Observer: In a significant policy shift, former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States. The order asserts that English has been used as the national language since the country’s founding and that it is long overdue for official recognition.

“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,” said Trump in his statement.

The new directive rescinds a 25-year-old executive order issued by former President Bill Clinton, which mandated that federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding provide language assistance to non-English speakers. Advocacy groups have expressed concerns that the move will disproportionately affect immigrant communities and individuals seeking language assistance.

Trump, however, defended the order, stating that designating English as the official language would promote national unity, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement.

“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,” he added.

This is not the first language-related policy under Trump’s leadership. Within hours of assuming office in January, his administration shut down the Spanish-language version of the White House website and its associated social media accounts. Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the U.S., representing a significant Latino community. According to a 2022 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 62% of individuals who speak a language other than English at home use Spanish.

Trump’s order comes amid his continued crackdown on immigration, including the deportation of thousands of migrants, primarily from Latin America. He has pledged to execute the largest mass deportation program in U.S. history.

Furthermore, Trump recently announced a new immigration-related initiative—the sale of a “$5 million gold card” to wealthy foreigners. This program is expected to grant affluent individuals the ability to live and work in the U.S. with a pathway to citizenship.