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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, will sign a decree this Friday establishing English as the official language of the country, with the aim of "promoting unity" in the nation, according to a document provided by a White House official.
The official, who requested to remain anonymous, stated: "It was about time that English was recognized as the official language of the United States."
The new executive order rescinds a decree signed in the year 2000 by former President Bill Clinton, which aimed to improve access to public services for individuals with limited English proficiency.
The text of the new order emphasizes that "a common language promotes national cohesion, helps newcomers participate in the life and traditions of the community, and enriches our shared culture," reported the AFP agency.
This decree is the second blow to Spanish since Trump returned to power on January 20, 2025. His administration had already shut down the White House website in Spanish that had been restored by his predecessor, Joe Biden, and eliminated government accounts in this language on social media, a measure he implemented at the beginning of his first term in 2017.
In the United States, over 43 million people speak Spanish natively, and the number rises to 57 million when including those with limited proficiency in the language, according to data from The Hispanic Council published in April 2024.
These data have been significant during the electoral campaign, where politicians, including Trump, have released ads in Spanish. Trump, in particular, garnered the support of a substantial portion of Latino voters, especially men.
Over the last century, several legislative attempts in Congress to declare English as the official language have failed.
However, Trump has reiterated the importance of preserving English as the main language of the nation, especially in the context of the war he has declared on migration.
"We are a country where English is spoken, not Spanish," he said during a debate for the Republican presidential primaries in 2015, a statement that remains a cornerstone of his political stance, which he believes is focused on the "reclamation" of "American identity."
Frequently Asked Questions About Declaring English as the Official Language in the U.S.
Why does Donald Trump want to establish English as the official language of the United States?
Donald Trump seeks to establish English as the official language to promote national unity and facilitate the integration of newcomers into American culture. According to the administration, a common language helps to bind the nation together and enriches the shared culture.
How does this measure affect the Spanish-speaking population in the United States?
The measure could limit access to services in Spanish, which affects more than 43 million native Spanish speakers in the United States. The elimination of resources in Spanish, such as government websites, may hinder access to information and services for this community.
What impact could Trump's executive order have on English as the official language?
The executive order could revoke previous policies that facilitated access to public services for individuals with limited English proficiency, such as the decree by Bill Clinton in 2000. Furthermore, it could encourage increased pressure for immigrants to learn English more quickly.
How does this measure relate to Trump's immigration policies?
The declaration of English as the official language is part of a broader agenda of restrictive policies towards immigrants. These include measures such as the elimination of birthright citizenship and the denial of federal aid to undocumented immigrants, reflecting a stricter and more controlling stance on immigration issues.
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