# Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Designates English as the Official Language of the United States

**DESIGNATING ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE:** Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order designating English as the official language of the United States.

- The Order rescinds a Clinton-era mandate that required agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide extensive language assistance to non-English speakers.
- This designation specifically allows agencies to keep current policies and provide documents and services in other languages, but encourages new Americans to adopt a national language that opens doors to greater opportunities.
- Agencies will have flexibility to decide how and when to offer services in languages other than English to best serve the American people and fulfill their agency mission.

**UNIFYING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE:** It is long past time English is recognized as the official language of the United States.

- Since our nation’s founding, English has been the language of our nation, with historic documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution written in English.
- A national language strengthens the fabric of our society, empowering citizens old and new.
- While over 350 languages are spoken in the United States, English remains the most widely used across the country.
- Roughly 180 countries have an official language – the United States is one of the few nations in the world to have no official language designated.
- More than 30 states and five U.S. territories have already embraced English as the official language.
- Establishing English as the official language promotes unity, establishes efficiency in government operations, and creates a pathway for civic engagement.
- This Order celebrates multilingual Americans who have learned English and passed it down, while empowering immigrants to achieve the American Dream through a common language.

**PROMISES KEPT:** President Trump has long championed the idea that English should be the official language of the United States.

- With this Executive Order, President Trump affirms that a common language fosters national cohesion, helps newcomers engage in communities and traditions, and enriches our shared culture.
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