Language Assistance WIPED OUT at HUD

HUD becomes the first federal agency to eliminate all non-English services, marking a sweeping reversal of decades-old language assistance policies that protected millions of Americans with limited English proficiency.

Story Highlights

• HUD implements English-only policy following Trump’s executive order designating English as America’s official language
• Agency removes translation services from website and eliminates materials in over 200 languages
• Policy reverses Clinton-era protections requiring federal agencies to assist non-English speakers
• Secretary Turner declares “we will speak with one voice and one language” to deliver agency mission

Trump Administration Delivers on Language Unity Promise

The Department of Housing and Urban Development executed President Trump’s vision for national linguistic unity by announcing an immediate English-only policy for all agency operations. Secretary Scott Turner and Deputy Secretary Andrew Hughes distributed internal memos on August 18, directing staff to eliminate translation services and non-English materials across all HUD facilities. The policy became effective immediately, with HUD removing multilingual options from its website within 24 hours of the announcement.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 14224, “Designating English as the Official Language of The United States,” effective immediately the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will solely be using English as the official language for all Departmental business and… pic.twitter.com/IhbwqZsO30

— Department of Housing and Urban Development (@HUDgov) August 19, 2025

Decades of Multilingual Bureaucracy Finally Ended

HUD’s transformation eliminates a costly and inefficient system that provides services in over 200 languages since President Clinton’s 2000 executive order. The previous policy required federal agencies to accommodate limited English proficiency individuals, creating administrative burdens and fragmenting government communications. Turner emphasized the change promotes unity, stating Americans should “speak with one voice and one language to deliver on our mission.” This decisive action demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to assimilation over accommodation.

Constitutional Authority Supports English-First Governance

Trump’s January executive order establishing English as America’s official language provides clear constitutional authority for HUD’s policy shift. The order revoked Clinton’s Executive Order 13166, which mandated language assistance services across federal agencies. HUD maintains narrow exceptions only where legally required under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Violence Against Women Act. This approach prioritizes constitutional governance over bureaucratic expansion, ensuring taxpayer resources support essential services rather than multilingual accommodations.

Policy Strengthens American Identity and Efficiency

The English-only requirement reinforces traditional American values of assimilation while streamlining government operations. Previous multilingual services created confusion and delayed assistance for housing programs nationwide. By establishing clear communication standards, HUD can deliver more efficient services to all Americans while promoting the shared language that unifies our nation. Critics from advocacy groups predictably oppose the change, but the policy aligns with common-sense governance principles that prioritize clarity and national cohesion over politically correct accommodations.

This historic policy change positions HUD as a model for other federal agencies seeking to implement Trump’s America-first agenda. The immediate implementation demonstrates the administration’s commitment to reversing decades of progressive language policies that fragmented rather than unified American communities.

Sources:

HUD chief moves to make English the sole language for all agency business following Trump order
HUD to Switch to English-Only Policy
HUD Housing Urban Development Cancels Non-English Language Services
Federal Housing Agency Adopts English-Only Policy
Report: HUD to Adopt English-Only Policy