Staff Reports
As the year 2026 approaches, it brings a monumental milestone: the 250th birthday of the United States. What better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than by officially recognizing American as the country’s language? Rob Lockwood, a writer and former adviser to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, has put forward an intriguing proposal. He suggests that this significant anniversary could serve as the perfect platform for President Trump and Congress to make this change a reality.
Lockwood’s perspective is that America has achieved immense things in its 250 years, from gaining independence to becoming a global powerhouse. Yet, amid all this growth, the country still finds itself tied to the “King’s English.” He argues that this is somewhat of a relic from the past—the very regime the United States fought to free itself from. He believes it is time to embrace a language that truly represents American identity.
Through his work at the Interior Department, Lockwood gained insight into President Trump’s vision for celebrating the upcoming anniversary. He reminisces about the grand events planned, such as a reenactment of Paul Revere’s ride in Boston, an Army parade in Washington, D.C., and even thrilling competitions like the UFC octagon sitting on the White House lawn. The festivities are destined to be elaborate and historic. Lockwood points out that while these events may be spectacular, they are temporary. In contrast, changing the language would be a lasting legacy—something to remind future generations of American pride.
The notion of designating a national language has been a topic of discussion since the founding fathers, including figures like Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt. Lockwood highlights the wisdom of Noah Webster, the man behind the famous dictionary, who expressed that an independent nation should also have its own language. Throughout history, great American thinkers have long believed in the importance of a language that encapsulates the spirit of the nation.
Lockwood contends that the time has come to rename the common language to “American.” He believes that the way Americans communicate—its idioms, phrases, and style—is distinct and deserves to be recognized. As he envisions the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday, he hopes that this proposal will gain traction and that people will continue to speak “American” in their daily lives. After all, isn’t celebrating a unique identity part of what being American is all about?
As preparations ramp up for an extraordinary 250th birthday bash, one can’t help but ponder the impact of adopting a national language. By taking this bold step, America could solidify its identity further, ensuring that the language it speaks is as exceptional as its history. So, as 2026 looms, it seems the call for an official language might not just be a suggestion but an opportunity to make a real statement about what it means to be American.
