AP – United States (US) President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the US.
The order allows government agencies and organisations that receive federal funding to choose whether to continue to offer documents and services in language other than English.
It rescinds a mandate from former President Bill Clinton that required the government and organisations that received federal funding to provide language assistance to non-English speakers.
“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,” according to the order.
“In welcoming new Americans, a policy of encouraging the learning and adoption of our national language will make the US a shared home and empower new citizens to achieve the American dream,” the order also stated.
“Speaking English not only opens doors economically, but it helps newcomers engage in their communities, participate in national traditions, and give back to our society.”
More than 30 states have already passed laws designating English as their official language, according to US English, a group that advocates for making English the official language in the US.
For decades, lawmakers in Congress have introduced legislation to designate English as the official language of the US, but those efforts have not succeeded.
Within hours of Trump’s inauguration last month, the new administration took down the Spanish language version of the official White House website.
Hispanic advocacy groups and others expressed confusion and frustration at the change.
The White House said at the time it was committed to bringing the Spanish language version of the website back online. As of the signing, it was still not restored.
The White House did not immediately respond to a message about whether that would happen.
Trump shut down the Spanish version of the website during his first term.
It was restored when President Joe Biden was inaugurated in 2021.
