It would mark the first time the US has had an official language at the federal level
Donald Trump has plans to sign a new executive order to make English the official language of the United States, according to multiple White House sources.
This move would be groundbreaking, as although English is the most widely spoken language in the United States, the country has never had an official language at the federal level.
During his presidential campaign, Trump highlighted the challenges faced by migrant students who struggle with English, noting how their inability to communicate effectively with classmates could hinder their educational experience.
Last year, Trump voiced his concerns, stating: “We have languages coming into our country, and we don’t have one instructor in our entire nation who can speak that language. These are languages—it’s the craziest thing—languages that nobody in this country has ever heard of. It’s a very horrible thing.”
During the 2016 presidential race, where Trump triumphed over Hillary Clinton to win the White House, he also criticized former Florida Governor Jeb Bush for speaking Spanish while campaigning. “This is a country where we speak English, not Spanish,” Trump declared at the time.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Trump is now taking steps to reverse a federal mandate issued by President Bill Clinton, which required agencies to offer language assistance to non-English speakers. Sources close to the White House suggest that this mandate will soon be rescinded.
Although agencies will still be permitted to provide documents in other languages, the change is expected to promote unity, improve government efficiency, and create a clearer pathway to civic engagement, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The interaction between President Trump and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during their meeting in Washington on Thursday (February 27) was described as ‘awkward’ by many.
As Starmer arrived at the White House, Trump greeted him in what some have interpreted as a subtle power play. Body language expert Adam Lyons, who spoke to UNILAD on behalf of BetUS, analyzed the interaction and suggested the two were engaged in an unspoken battle for dominance. Lyons explained: “Trump pushed his hand over during the handshake to ‘dominate’ and held it too long. Starmer noticed it and even moved his hand to his sleeve, likely trying to adjust his clothing.”
Lyons continued, noting how Trump took things a step further by placing a hand on Starmer’s shoulder to assert his dominance. In response, Starmer attempted to fight back by placing his own hand on Trump’s shoulder, but, according to Lyons, he wasn’t able to gain the upper hand.
