The move aims to “promote unity” and “cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens,” according to the White House
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring English the only official language of the United States, marking the first time in the nation’s history that such a designation has been made, according to the White House.
The executive order, signed on March 1, 2025, emphasizes the role of a common language in promoting unity and facilitating civic engagement. The new order also rescinds a mandate issued by President Bill Clinton in 2000, which required federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding to provide language assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency.
“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,” the order reads, adding that it is “in America’s best interest for the federal government to designate one — and only one — official language.”
Under the new order, agency heads have the discretion to determine whether to continue offering services in languages other than English, based on their respective missions and the efficient delivery of government services.
The US has never had an official language at the federal level, as all previous congressional attempts to designate English as the national language have failed. However, over 30 states have already designated it as their official language.
According to US census data, more than 350 languages are spoken in the United States, but the vast majority – 78% of residents – use English as the only language spoken in the household. The second most spoken language is Spanish (13.4% of the population), followed by Chinese (around 1%). Less widely spoken languages include Tagalog, Vietnamese, Arabic, French, and Korean, as well as over a million Russian speakers.
