President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday designating English as the official language of the United States. This marks the first time in American history that an official language has been designated on the national level. The order emphasizes the importance of a nationally designated language in fostering a unified and cohesive society, stating that the United States is strengthened by a citizenry that can freely exchange ideas in one shared language.
The executive order rescinds a previous mandate signed by President Bill Clinton that required agencies to provide assistance to non-English speakers. However, agencies are still permitted to offer services in languages other than English. The rationale behind the order is to promote unity, cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement. The order asserts that it is in America's best interest for the Federal Government to designate one official language.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed criticism of the executive order, suggesting that it may face legal challenges and questioning its potential impact on the global competitiveness of the United States. Jeffries highlighted concerns about the order's compliance with the law and the United States Constitution, indicating that legal action may be taken if necessary.
