Trump Makes History: English Officially Declared the Language of the United States
Introduction to a New Era
In a move that has sparked both celebration and controversy, former President Donald Trump made history on Saturday by signing an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States. This decision marks the first time in U.S. history that such a designation has been made at the federal level. While the majority of states have already declared English their official language, this executive order brings a new layer of significance to the role of English in American society. The order reads, "From the founding of our Republic, English has been used as our national language. It is therefore long past time that English is declared as the official language of the United States."
Empowering New Citizens: The Vision Behind the Order
The executive order is framed as a measure to empower new citizens and aid in their assimilation into American society. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, individuals going through the naturalization process are already required to demonstrate proficiency in English. They must show the ability to read, write, and speak basic English as part of their citizenship test. Trump’s order reinforces this requirement, stating that designating English as the official language will further empower newcomers. "Speaking English not only opens doors economically but also helps newcomers engage in their communities, participate in national traditions, and give back to our society," the order states.
A Nation of ManyLanguages: The Linguistic Reality of America
While English is the most widely used language in the United States, the country is far from monolingual. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that residents communicate in more than 350 languages. Over three-quarters of Americans speak only English at home, but the presence of so many other languages reflects the nation’s diversity. This linguistic diversity has been a hallmark of American society, yet the new order has raised questions about how this diversity will be accommodated in the future.
Trump’s Hard-Line Immigration Stance and the Role of Language
The executive order aligning with Trump’s broader immigration agenda is no coincidence. Trump has long taken a hard-line stance on immigration, including his controversial executive order ending birthright citizenship, which has been struck down by several courts. During the 2024 presidential campaign, he repeatedly criticized undocumented immigrants who did not speak English, warning about the languages "coming into our country." At a presidential debate against then-Vice President Kamala Harris in September, he remarked, "They can’t even speak English. They don’t even know what country they’re in, practically." These comments reflect a broader narrative that has been central to his immigration rhetoric.
The Legislative Push for English as the Official Language
Trump is not the only political figure to push for English to be declared the official language. In the last Congress, then-Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota, introduced the English Language Unity Act. The proposed legislation would have required the federal government to use English "in commonsense circumstances." Vance, a strong supporter of the measure, stated, "This commonsense legislation recognizes an inherent truth: English is the language of this country. That is why the overwhelming majority of the American people support this proposal. The English language has been a cornerstone of American culture for over 250 years. It is far past time for Congress to codify its place into law, which is exactly what this bill does."
The Broader Implications of the Executive Order
The executive order has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters argue that it strengthens national unity and provides a clearer path for integration for immigrants. Critics, however, worry that it could marginalize non-English speakers and undermine the linguistic diversity that has long been a part of American identity. As the nation grapples with the implications of this new policy, one thing is clear: the role of language in American society will continue to be a topic of debate for years to come.
