The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is set to adopt President Trump’s order designating English as the official language of the United States, launching an English-only initiative.
“We are one people, united, and we will speak with one voice and one language to deliver on our mission of expanding housing that is affordable, helping those in need, caring for our most vulnerable Americans, and revitalizing rural, tribal, and urban communities,” HUD Deputy Secretary Andrew Hughes wrote in a memorandum obtained by The New York Post.
“HUD will continue to ensure that all persons have meaningful access to HUD programs and services,” Hughes stressed, adding that the agency “will continue to provide communication services to the hearing and seeing impaired, and persons with related disabilities.” Other languages will be permitted for accommodations regarding the Americans with Disability Act and the Violence Against Women Act.
“All HUD communications, correspondence, and physical and digital published materials will be produced exclusively in English,” the memo says, noting that the department “will no longer offer non-English translation services.” Hughes added that employees are to “immediately remove all printed or digital collateral about non-English translation services currently displayed in HUD offices or HUD-funded facilities.”
President Trump’s March order says that 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.”
“To promote unity, cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement, it is in America’s best interest for the Federal Government to designate one — and only one — official language,” the order adds. “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 Department of Justice has also issued English-only guidance and initiated internal reviews to phase out “unnecessary multilingual offerings.”
