Several news organizations have in recent days reported on a move within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to execute on President Trump’s March 1 English-as-America’s-official-language Executive Order (EO) by replacing the agency’s Limited English Proficiency (LEP) policy with an English-only policy.

The New York Times on August 18 quotes HUD deputy secretary Andrew D. Hughes from a memo to employees that the EO will “enhance social and economic integration,” and reports that the agency will no longer have contracts for translation services for documents or communications, and all paper and online materials in languages other than English would be removed. Fox News, in an August 19 report, references a post on X by HUD Secretary Scott Turner saying, “… HUD will solely use English for all Departmental business and services. We are one people, united, and we will speak with one voice and one language to deliver on our mission.”

Previously, HUD had a practice of translating materials like resident brochures, documents, and forms into nearly 20 languages.

LeadingAge confirmed the announcement with HUD leadership, who said that the change would take effect “immediately.”

However, next steps and timelines for removing materials and ending contracts is currently unclear, and as of August 19, several translated materials are still available online through HUD’s LEP webpage.

LeadingAge is working to save translated materials that housing providers may need in order to serve households with diverse LEP needs.

LeadingAge is deeply concerned by the change, which we think could impact housing access for people with LEP. We will watch for legal challenges and impacts on housing providers and residents.