The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is set to adopt English as its sole working language, Secretary Scott Turner announced Tuesday. This change aligns with President Donald Trump’s recent executive order to make English the official language of the United States. Turner stated on X, “Following @POTUS’ Executive Order Designating English as the Official Language of The United States, HUD will solely use English for all Departmental business and services.” He emphasized unity, saying, “We are one people, united, and we will speak with one voice and one language to deliver on our mission.”
A memo issued by HUD Deputy Secretary Andrew Hughes further outlined this shift. Hughes echoed Turner’s sentiment: “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.”
Prior to this decision, HUD had offered services in around 222 languages, providing support for individuals not proficient in English through an interpretation line. However, the new policy indicates a significant shift in focus. Despite this change, HUD will still comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Violence Against Women Act, ensuring that necessary accommodations in other languages are available.
Hughes reassured stakeholders that HUD aims to maintain accessibility, stressing, “HUD will continue to ensure that all persons have meaningful access to HUD programs and services.” This includes continuing communication for those with hearing or vision impairments.
This recent move follows Trump’s executive order in March, which revoked a Clinton-era directive requiring federal agencies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. Trump’s administration believes a designated national language fosters a unified society. He stated, “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.”
As the agency implements this policy, it reflects a push towards a more standardized communication approach within HUD, aimed at better fulfilling its mission while navigating the complexities of an increasingly diverse nation.
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