Tracking Trump's executive orders: Designating English as the Official Language of the United States

Executive Order 14224: Designating English as the Official Language of the United States

Date Signed: March 1, 2025

Key Provisions:

• Executive Order _ makes English the official language of the United States
• It states, “Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society.”
• It revokes a Clinton-era Executive Order to improve access to those with limited English proficiency, but does not require any agencywide service changes 
• As explained in a corresponding fact sheet, “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.”

Interfaith Alliance Counterpoints:

• While this order does not mandate any specific changes, Interfaith Alliance worries that this Executive Order will further a divisive, unwelcoming culture for those who do not speak English or struggle to speak it fluently 
• Rather than pushing for cultural statements that exclude others, Interfaith Alliance welcomes symbolic gestures that promote the inclusive, pluralistic democracy we aspire to become
• The First Amendment upholds free speech and does not limit that right to one language 

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