President Trump speaks to members of the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on Feb. 28.
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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
President Trump has recently signed an executive order proclaiming English as the official language of the United States, marking a significant historical milestone.
The executive order, signed by Trump on a Saturday, overturns a policy put in place by former President Bill Clinton that mandated agencies to provide support programs for individuals with limited English proficiency. The new order gives agencies the option to maintain these support systems voluntarily.
The order emphasizes the importance of having a nationally designated language for fostering unity and coherence within society, stating that the U.S. is empowered by a population that can freely communicate ideas in a common language.
Although English is already the official language in over 30 states, Trump’s executive order comes at a time when the number of non-English speakers in the U.S. is on the rise. According to 2022 data from the U.S. Census, approximately one in ten individuals now speak a language other than English, a significant increase from 1980.
The White House views Trump’s order as a step towards promoting unity, fostering a shared American culture, ensuring consistency in government operations, and facilitating civic engagement for all citizens.
However, some advocacy groups have criticized the executive order, arguing that it will negatively impact immigrant communities and individuals seeking assistance in learning English.
Roman Palomares, the leader of the League of United Latin American Citizens, expressed disapproval of the Trump administration’s decision, stating that limiting the official language to English contradicts the vision of a nation where diversity of thought, culture, and expression is celebrated.
“Our country thrives when we embrace inclusivity and amplify the voices of all those who contribute to its prosperity,” Palomares emphasized.
