Interpreting EO 14224: What it Means for Language Access and Agencies

You’re in a hospital, struggling to explain your symptoms, but the words fail you because English isn’t your strength. Fear builds as you realize no one may fully understand you.
 

For decades, federal guidance ensured that limited-English-proficient (LEP) individuals had a voice through the use of professional translators and interpreters. However, on March 1, 2025, that safety net was shaken, along with the translation agencies that supported it. With Executive Order 14224, President Donald Trump declared English the official language of the United States—a first in U.S. history—and ordered federal agencies to reverse decades of language access policy.

Designating English as the Official Language of the United States

The Executive Order declaring English the official language of the U.S. orders the Department of Justice (DOJ) to rescind and rewrite Executive Order 13166, which dates back to the Clinton Administration and sought to improve access to federal programs for limited proficiency in English. It also establishes that federal agencies can provide language services, but are under no obligation to do so.
 

The order affects both programs operated by federal agencies, as well as programs and activities funded or supported by federal agencies—including state and local governments, nonprofits, and community-based organizations. It’s important to note, the guidance reduces federal language access activity, but it does not erase civil rights protections. Recipients of federal funding must still provide meaningful access for LEP individuals or risk legal consequences.

Who Is Affected?

The consequence of making English the official language of the U.S. is creating ripples through the nation’s communities and businesses.
 

According to the recent census, roughly 70 million Americans speak a language other than English at home and over 25 million have limited English proficiency. This group includes immigrants, American Sign Language (ASL) users, speakers of American Indian languages, and multigenerational Spanish speakers in Puerto Rico and across the country.
 

These individuals, who already experience a number of challenges not encountered by native speakers, could face even more obstacles—whether it’s fewer translated forms, less access to interpreters in settings like hospitals and courts, and more barriers to obtaining essential services.

Existing Language Access Laws

Executive Orders are not laws and cannot supersede existing statutes and regulations. Despite the executive order, language access remains protected under federal and state laws, including:
 

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Affordable Care Act (Section 1557)
• Stafford Act (FEMA disaster communications)
   

The Voting Rights Act, Food Stamp Act, and Equal Educational Opportunities Act also have language access requirements. Although the EO doesn’t change the law in sectors like healthcare, education, and legal settings, it does sow confusion among both providers and beneficiaries of language services.
 

Some providers may even feel less of an obligation to offer language services as a result of the EO.

Potential Impacts of Executive Order 14224

While it’s impossible to predict with certainty how the executive order making English the official language will impact LEP individuals and the broader language access field, one thing is clear: the effects are likely to be profound.

For LEP Individuals

It’s easy to see EO 14224 making it harder for LEP individuals to access health care, legal aid, and social services. This will make it harder for them to fully participate in civic life, including voting and housing programs. It will likely negatively affect everything from health outcomes to social mobility.

For Language Service Providers

The consequences of the Executive Order are already being felt by language service agencies, particularly for agencies serving federal programs like DoD, DHS, USAID, and affiliated organizations. The U.S. government has long been one of the largest consumers of language services and the recent EO, along with eliminating DEI-related programs and freezing USAID programs, has shrunk demand.
 

In the short term, contract cancellations and lost revenue are taking a toll, while an uncertain regulatory landscape clouds the future. One can only speculate on the economic impact of this decision, but it could deal a major blow to the human translation market—an industry worth billions.
 

Interpreting is likely to be hit hardest, as it requires ongoing funding and staff. Translation of documents—which is more project-based and less of an ongoing service than interpreting—is also poised to see a reduction in volume.

The Value of Language Access and Services

The Executive Order only states that there is no obligation for federal agencies to provide language access and there are strong reasons for organizations to continue offering language services: For example, the use of translation services in:
 

• Healthcare: reduces medical errors, malpractice claims, and costs
• Legal settings: ensures accurate communications and prevents costly misunderstandings
• Business: expands customer base, improves customer satisfaction, and provides a competitive advantage
• Compliance: meets state- and community-level regulatory requirements
   

Across fields, ensuring language access builds trust and supports equity and inclusion.

Challenges Ahead for Language Service Providers

Language service companies that have relied heavily on federally connected work will have to adapt—quickly.

Short-Term Outlook

State and local agencies are still required to provide language access and are good targets for new business. Forward-thinking companies also present strong prospects. Corporate training, localization, international marketing, and e-learning are all strong sectors for translation companies. Translation agencies will also want to diversify revenue streams to remain agile—finding new and untapped markets for their services.

Long-Term Outlook

Despite the Executive Order, there are still approximately 70 million Americans who speak a language other than English at home and roughly 26 million LEP individuals—the demand for language services is there, even if it’s not federally mandated.
 

It’s also worth considering that administrations change and priorities shift with them. In 2028, the next Presidential administration could roll back the EO making English the official language of the U.S. or even issue a new EO mandating increased language access. The question is, what happens then?
 

Are there enough language translation agencies, translators, and interpreters available to meet an influx of demand? Will human expertise be replaced by cheaper, less exacting methods like AI? While AI is a workable solution for quick communication, AI can’t compete with the expertise and nuance provided by a professional human translator—especially in industries with their own vocabulary like health care and legal services.

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