The March 1 executive order marks the first time in history that the United States has had an official language and represents a major victory for a number of organizations that have fought since the early 1980s to establish a unifying language for all Americans.
"Our Nation's historic governing documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, have all been written in English," the order points out. "It is therefore long past time that English is declared as the official language of the United States."
"A nationally designated language is at the core of a unified and cohesive society, and the United States is strengthened by a citizenry that can freely exchange ideas in one shared language," it continues.
In an effort to codify that, Georgia Congresswoman Margorie Taylor Greene (R) and a number of co-sponsors have introduced the English Language Unity Act of 2025.
The legislation says English has been "one of the common threads binding individuals of differing backgrounds" throughout history. It ensures that all official government functions are conducted in English and reinforces a uniform English language requirement for naturalization.
Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) has introduced the English Language Unity Act of 2025's Senate companion bill.
The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) notes that Trump's order repeals Executive Order 13166 signed by President Bill Clinton in 2000, which required agencies to provide assistance to non-English speakers. The new order does not require government agencies to change their current policies; it allows them to do so.
"We have advocated for a long time that we need to have a common language in this country," says FAIR spokesman Ira Mehlman. "It creates unity. It creates the ability of people of different backgrounds to be able to just carry out day-to-day business with one another."
His organization agrees with President Trump that establishing an official language will streamline communication, reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society.
According to National Public Radio, English is already the official language in more than 30 states. But due to mass migration, the number of people who speak languages other than English continues to grow. According to 2022 Census data, approximately 10% of people living in the U.S. now speak a language other than English – more than triple the amount compared to 1980.
"When you come to the United States, the obligation is on you to learn the common language of this country," Mehlman submits. "It's not the obligation of the country to cater to you, whatever language you speak."
