As previously written on the GTS Blog, the United States did not have an official language. Until now. President Donald Trump on March 1, 2025 signed an order designating English as the official language as the USA.
Does this order need to be confirmed by Congress?
President Trump’s executive order making English the official language does not need confirmation by Congress to be implemented. It is effective immediately upon issuance. However, Congress retains the authority to pass legislation that could modify or nullify the provisions of the executive order if it chooses to do so. This does not seem likely due to the balance of power in both houses of Congress. On the other hand, politicians with large non-English speaking constituents may find the need to fight against this rule to please their voters and get reelected.
Are States Required to Comply with this order?
States are not automatically required to comply with President Trump’s executive order designating English as the official language of the United States. Executive orders primarily apply to federal agencies and operations, meaning that they direct how the federal government functions but do not have immediate authority over state governments. However, the order could impact states indirectly if it affects federal funding or programs that involve language policies.
Many states already have their own laws regarding official language designations. As of now, 31 states have declared English as their official language, while others, such as California and New York, have policies that emphasize multilingual services to accommodate diverse populations. These states may choose to continue their current language policies, as the executive order does not automatically override state laws. However, if the federal government ties compliance to funding—such as requiring English-only policies for federal grants—states may face pressure to conform.
The U.S. Constitution’s 10th Amendment grants states significant authority over their governance, which could lead to legal challenges against the order. States that prioritize bilingual services or have large non-English-speaking populations may argue that the federal government does not have the constitutional power to impose an official language at the state level. If the executive order affects civil rights, public education, or access to government services, it is likely to face lawsuits that could determine its enforceability beyond federal agencies.
In summary, while states are not directly required to follow the executive order, they may experience indirect effects, such as shifts in federal policy or funding conditions. Some states may voluntarily align with the directive, while others may challenge its legality, leading to potential court battles over states’ rights and language policies.
What this means to US Citizens
President Trump’s executive order making English the official language of the U.S. will have little impact on English-speaking citizens but could create barriers for some 50 million non-English speaking citizens. Access to government services, legal aid, and multilingual public documents may become more difficult if translations are reduced. Immigrants could face stricter language requirements for citizenship, and ESL programs may lose funding. Businesses and public services might shift toward English-only policies, affecting bilingual workplaces. While supporters see this as unifying, critics argue it could limit accessibility and inclusion. The full impact depends on implementation, legal challenges, and state-level responses to the order.
How will this affect the translation industry?
President Trump’s executive order designating English as the official language of the United States could have significant implications for the translation industry, particularly for businesses that rely on government contracts, legal compliance, and public service translation. The impact will largely depend on how strictly the order is implemented and whether it leads to broader policy changes beyond federal agencies.
The Downside
One of the most immediate effects could be a reduction in government demand for translations. One example: the government shut down its Spanish website. If federal agencies are required to conduct official business exclusively in English, the need for government-funded translation and interpretation services may decline. This could particularly affect language service providers that support federal agencies in areas such as immigration services, public health materials, and official government documentation. Additionally, if the executive order leads to the scaling back of multilingual government programs, such as those providing language access for public services, the demand for translation in these areas could decrease significantly.
At the state level, the impact remains uncertain. States are not directly required to comply with the order, but if federal funding is tied to English-language policies, some states may choose to reduce their translation expenditures. This could have a ripple effect on businesses and translators working with state agencies, particularly in states that currently emphasize multilingual services for residents.
The Upside
On the other hand, the private sector could see an increase in demand for translation services as businesses and nonprofit organizations step in to fill gaps left by reduced government support. Companies providing healthcare, legal aid, and consumer services may expand their translation efforts to ensure accessibility for non-English-speaking populations. Additionally, organizations advocating for immigrant rights and civil liberties may invest more in translation services to help individuals navigate legal and regulatory changes.
The legal and compliance sector could also see growth in translation demand. If the executive order faces legal challenges, law firms, advocacy groups, and courts may require more interpretation and document translation services. Any changes in immigration policy, language access laws, or public service requirements could drive additional demand for legal translation expertise.
Despite potential shifts in the domestic translation market, international business-related translation is unlikely to be affected. Companies operating in global trade, marketing, and technical industries will still require translation services for contracts, marketing materials, and product documentation. Businesses expanding into international markets will continue to rely on translation and localization services to reach non-English-speaking audiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while government-funded translation services may see a decline, private sector demand could rise as businesses and advocacy organizations work to maintain multilingual accessibility. The long-term impact will depend on legal challenges, enforcement mechanisms, and how state governments choose to respond to the executive order. The translation industry may need to adapt by shifting its focus toward corporate and legal sectors while monitoring potential regulatory changes at the federal and state levels.
