The real reason Trump made English our official language

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

By Christina Lorey

March 13, 2025

“Sorry, we can’t understand you.”

That phrase is becoming more and more common on national phone lines after Donald Trump decided to make English America’s first-ever “official language” in March.

THE STORY: Trump Signs ‘National Language’ Executive Order

While this may seem like common sense (nearly 80% of the country speaks only English at home), the reason why he did it is nothing more than racism.

When Trump signed the executive order, it rescinded the federal mandate that required all federal agencies and any organizations that receive federal funding to provide language assistance to non-English speakers.

This mandate — in place since the ’90s — ensured all Americans could get the help they need. Now, agencies can still offer this, but many won’t.

Trump has essentially given the government permission to shut out non-English speaking citizens from services their tax dollars pay for, too.

MORE: They Voted for Trump. Then, He Fired Them.

Author

Christina Lorey

Christina is an Edward R. Murrow-winning journalist and former producer, reporter, and anchor for TV stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, you can find her volunteering with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and various mental health organizations. Send all story tips to [email protected] and sign up for her newsletter here.

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CATEGORIES: NATIONAL POLITICS

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