HUD to Adopt English-Only Policy for Agency Operations

On Tuesday, Secretary Scott Turner announced that the Housing and Urban Development Authority (HUD) will implement an English-only policy in all its operations. This decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s executive order from March, which recognizes English as the official language of the United States.

Turner shared his thoughts on X, stating, “In accordance with @Potus’ executive order designating English as the official US language, HUD will conduct all business and services in English only.”

Additionally, a memo from HUD’s assistant secretary Andrew Hughes provided further details on the shift, emphasizing the need for a unified communication approach. He highlighted that the agency aims to assist individuals in accessing affordable housing and support vulnerable communities effectively.

Previously, HUD had made provisions for services in around 222 languages, offering interpretation for those who weren’t proficient in English. However, with this new direction, there will still be exceptions made to comply with the Disability Act and the Violence Against Women Act, ensuring necessary accommodations are in place.

In March, Trump also revoked a 2000 executive order from former President Bill Clinton that mandated language support for non-English speakers in federal programs. This shift reflects a broader commitment to establishing a cohesive national identity through a common language.

Interestingly, while English is the most widely spoken language in the US, there is no officially designated language at the federal level. In his order, Trump expressed that having nationally designated languages contributes to a cohesive society, uniting citizens under a shared means of communication.