Trump Orders Truckers: English Only on Roads

President Trump is poised to issue an executive order mandating English proficiency for all commercial truck drivers operating within the United States. The order, expected to be signed Monday evening, frames English as “America’s official language” and a critical safety requirement, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who shared a link to a report on the matter published by Breitbart News.

A document reviewed by Breitbart details the rationale behind the order, asserting that drivers must be able to comprehend traffic signage, effectively communicate with law enforcement and border officials, navigate agricultural and weight checkpoints, and exchange information and directions – all in English. The administration argues this is a non-negotiable element of public safety.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will be tasked with revising existing guidance to bolster inspection procedures, specifically focusing on verifying drivers’ English language skills.

While proponents emphasize safety concerns, the move is likely to spark debate regarding potential impacts on the trucking industry, which already faces driver shortages. Critics may argue the requirement could disproportionately affect non-native English speakers and further exacerbate logistical challenges. The effectiveness of assessing and enforcing such a requirement across a vast and diverse workforce also remains to be seen. The order appears to be a direct appeal to a base concerned with national identity and border security, framing language proficiency as integral to both.