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Original Date Announced
March 1, 2025President Trump issued Executive Order (EO), “Designating English as the Official Language of The United States.” The EO revokes EO 13166, “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency,” which was an executive order from 2000 that required federal agencies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. The Trump EO states that “nothing in this order, however, requires or directs any change in the services provided by any agency,” and that “[a]gency heads are not required to amend, remove, or otherwise stop production of documents, products, or other services prepared or offered in languages other than English.” It further directs the Attorney General to “provide updated guidance, consistent with applicable law.”
Trump 2.0 [ID # 1582]
2025.03.01 EO 14224 - Designating English as the Official Language of the United StatesCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Presidential OrdersSubject Matter:Associated or Derivative Policies
Pre Trump-Era Policies
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August 11, 2000
EO 13166, "Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency", signed by President Clinton in 2000, required federal agencies to examine the services they provide and develop as well as implement a system “by which [non-English speakers] can meaningfully access those services.” The EO also required that entities receiving federal financial assistance provide meaningful access to their non-English-speaking applicants and beneficiaries.
2000.08.11 EO 13166 - Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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Commentary
2025.03.03 New York Times - Trump Made English the Official Language. What Does It Mean for the Country?
The New York Times reports on reactions to the EO. The article notes that “immigrant-rights groups and congressional Democrats warned that the order could alienate immigrants and make it harder for non-English speakers to get government services, fill out health care forms or vote.”
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