Trump Announces New Requirements for Truck Drivers: English Proficiency and Literacy Tests

In a significant move aimed at enhancing road safety, President Trump is set to sign an executive order mandating that truck drivers demonstrate English proficiency and pass literacy tests. This decision was disclosed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing.

Leavitt emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating, “The order directs the Department of Transportation to incorporate English literacy tests for our truckers. This is a significant issue facing the trucking community today.” This announcement follows a press conference that involved new members of the media and was distinct from the earlier White House briefing.

The president is expected to finalize the executive order in the late afternoon, according to Leavitt. She highlighted the importance of communication between truck drivers and officials, noting that difficulties in communication pose a public safety risk.

Addressing Communication Barriers

“You might be unaware, but communication problems exist between truckers, federal officials, and local authorities, which indeed present public safety risks,” Leavitt explained. “We want to ensure that our truckers, who serve as the backbone of this economy, are capable of speaking English. This is a common-sense policy that we believe is essential.”

The Growing Foreign-Born Truck Driver Population

Recent reports indicate a notable increase in the number of foreign-born truck drivers in the United States. Fox News’ Wil Cain, during his show earlier this month, highlighted insights from trucking experts who examined this trend.

Policy Changes Under Previous Administrations

Citing expert analysis, Cain revealed that the Obama administration, in 2016, had halted the enforcement of English requirements for drivers. Furthermore, the current Biden-Harris administration has taken steps to promote initiatives aimed at expanding truck driving training opportunities for refugees. These changes have consequently led to a rising number of foreign-born individuals entering the trucking profession in the U.S.

Trump’s Historic Support for Truckers

Trump’s forthcoming executive order arrives in the context of his previous affirmations of support for truck drivers during the pandemic. In April 2020, he commended their efforts in delivering essential goods as the nation grappled with lockdown measures.

During his remarks, the president stated, “American truckers are our foot soldiers, driving us towards victory. They have performed remarkably well; we’ve encountered no issues, which has been truly commendable.” He also expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank God for truckers.”

A Focus on the English Language

This executive order is at least the second of its kind related to English language requirements that Trump has enacted since returning to the Oval Office in January. Earlier in March, he signed a separate order designating English as the official language of the United States.

In that previous order, Trump articulated the necessity of a national language for fostering unity and cohesion within society. He stated, “A nationally designated language is foundational to a unified and cohesive society, and the United States thrives on having a citizenry that can freely exchange ideas in one shared language.”

Revoking Prior Language Assistance Policies

This new initiative revokes an executive order from former President Bill Clinton, issued in 2000, which mandated federal agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide language assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency. This earlier approach aimed to enhance accessibility for non-English speakers in various services.

As this situation develops, stakeholders within the trucking industry will closely monitor the implications of these policy changes, particularly regarding the labor force and operational protocols.

Next Steps for the Trucking Industry

Industry experts now ponder how these new requirements will shape the workforce landscape in the coming years. Many express hope that enhanced communication among drivers and officials could lead to improved safety outcomes on the roads.

As official announcements roll out and further details emerge, it’s evident that the trucking community is about to experience transformative changes. The balance between effective communication and the diversity of the workforce will play a pivotal role in adapting to these new regulations.

In summary, the expected executive order reflects an ongoing commitment by the Trump administration to address the perceived challenges within the trucking industry. As the nation continues to recover from the pandemic disruptions, the role of truck drivers remains increasingly vital, underscoring the importance of clear communication and collaboration among all parties involved.

This report includes contributions from Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch.