Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in the Oval Office on Monday to enhance truck driver safety, including a requirement for English proficiency among drivers.
The order was signed on the same day that the president issued executive orders to protect Americans from criminal aliens and to unleash law enforcement to pursue criminals and protect citizens.
“America’s truck drivers are essential to the strength of our economy, the security of our Nation, and the livelihoods of the American people,” Trump wrote.
“Every day, truckers perform the demanding and dangerous work of transporting the Nation’s goods to businesses, customers, and communities safely, reliably, and efficiently,” the order added.
The order also explained the importance of requiring commercial truck drivers to prove English proficiency.
“Proficiency in English, which I designated as our official national language in Executive Order 14224 of March 1, 2025 (Designating English as the Official Language of the United States), should be a non-negotiable safety requirement for professional drivers,” the order explained.
“They should be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station officers. Drivers need to provide feedback to their employers and customers and receive related directions in English. This is common sense,” it continued.
One of the president’s other orders, signed on Monday, included strengthening and unleashing America’s law enforcement.
“Safe communities rely on the backbone and heroism of a tough and well-equipped police force. My Administration is steadfastly committed to empowering State and local law enforcement to firmly police dangerous criminal behavior and protect innocent citizens,” the order stated.
“The result will be a law-abiding society in which tenacious law enforcement officers protect the innocent, violations of law are not tolerated, and American communities are safely enjoyed by all their citizens again,” it added.
The Attorney General is instructed to establish a mechanism to provide legal resources and indemnification for law enforcement officers who incur unjust legal expenses as a result of actions taken during their official duties. This includes leveraging private-sector pro bono assistance to support officers.