Donald Trump's order: What Americans think about making English official language of US

US President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States.

The order allows government entities and federally funded organisations to decide whether to offer documents and services in languages other than English.

It reverses a decades-old policy, introduced under former President Bill Clinton, which required federal agencies and funded organisations 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,” the order states.

It adds that encouraging English adoption will “empower new citizens to achieve the American dream” by opening economic opportunities and helping “newcomers engage in their communities, participate in national traditions, and give back to our society.”

An August 2024 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that a majority of US adults (51%) thought it was “extremely” or “very” important to make English the official language, while 21% considered it “somewhat” important.

However, views varied sharply by political affiliation, race, and age.

The survey found 73% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents strongly support the move, compared with just 32% of Democrats and Democratic leaners.

Among racial and ethnic groups, 57% of White adults favoured designating English as the official language, compared with 47% of Asian, 45% of Black, and 36% of Hispanic adults. Older adults are also more likely than younger ones to back the policy.

Census Bureau data from 2023 shows 78% of people aged 5 and older speak only English at home, while 14% speak another language but report fluency in English. Nine per cent are not proficient in English.

Over 350 languages are spoken in the United States, including Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Native American languages like Navajo and Cherokee, according to Census data.

The Pew survey found 46% of US adults say it’s “very important” for immigrants to speak English fluently, and 79%—including majorities across racial and political lines—say it’s key to being “truly” American.

US English, a group that advocates for making English the official language in the United States, hailed the decision, arguing it provides “a common means of communication” and encourages immigrants to learn English.

More than 30 states have already designated English as their official language, the group noted.

However, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance suggested that prioritising one language could disadvantage non-speakers and shape power dynamics.

Globally, over 170 countries have official languages, some recognising multiple, like Canada’s English and French. Mexico, on the other hand, has no official language.