Report: Hud To Adopt English-only Policy

An English-only policy for nearly all services and operations will be adopted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), according to an internal memo obtained by The New York Post.

The directive — reportedly set to be distributed Monday — comes in response to President Donald Trump’s March executive order making English the nation’s official language.

HUD Deputy Secretary Andrew Hughes wrote in the memo that the changes reflect the administration’s effort to unify government communications, the Post said.

“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,” Hughes wrote.

The department will begin removing non-English flyers and materials from its website and physical offices, according to the report.

“All HUD communications, correspondence, and physical and digital published materials will be produced exclusively in English, and we will no longer offer non-English translation services,” Hughes added.

“Additionally, please immediately remove all printed or digital collateral about non-English translation services currently displayed in HUD offices or HUD-funded facilities. Printed or digital collateral not in English can be replaced with an English-only version.”

The shift marks a reversal from prior HUD practices, which under multiple administrations provided translations in more than 222 languages and operated an interpretation hotline for residents with limited English proficiency.

While most services will now be English-only, Hughes emphasized that HUD must still comply with certain legal requirements.

Exceptions may apply under nondiscrimination provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Violence Against Women Act.

“HUD will continue to ensure that all persons have meaningful access to HUD programs and services,” Hughes wrote.

He also noted that the agency “will continue to provide communication services to the hearing and seeing impaired, and persons with related disabilities.”

Changes are said to take effect immediately — though implementation will be “ongoing and iterative.”

The department also plans to review existing translation service contracts.