Transportation Secretary Duffy: U.S. Truckers Required to Speak English

The Biden administration, in its infinite wisdom, decided that the ability to read road signs and communicate with law enforcement was somehow optional for individuals piloting multi-ton vehicles across our nation’s highways.

Federal law is crystal clear on this issue. If a driver cannot sufficiently read or speak English—our national language, by the way—they are, by definition, unqualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in the United States. This isn’t xenophobia; it’s basic safety. The idea that we should compromise on this fundamental requirement is not just misguided—it’s downright dangerous.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has documented multiple fatal crashes where a driver’s inability to comprehend English-language road signs or communicate effectively played a role. In 2019, a truck driver, presumably unable to read warning signs, barreled down a highway at nearly 100 mph, resulting in four deaths. This isn’t an isolated incident. In January, we saw another fatal collision involving a driver who required an interpreter just to explain what happened. The data clearly shows a pattern here, folks.

Now, let’s say, for the sake of argument, that the left’s position is correct and we shouldn’t require English proficiency. What are the logical consequences? We’d have drivers unable to read weight limit signs, communicate with border patrol, or understand instructions at agricultural checkpoints. This isn’t just a safety issue; it’s a national security concern. But apparently, the left cares more about feelings than facts when it comes to public safety.

The Trump administration, recognizing this absurdity, has rightfully moved to reinstate these common-sense requirements. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is taking immediate action to strengthen English language proficiency standards for commercial drivers. This isn’t about discrimination; it’s about ensuring that the backbone of our economy—our truckers—can effectively and safely do their jobs.

Let’s be clear: this policy should never have been abandoned in the first place. The Obama-era directive to dismiss English proficiency requirements was a fundamental misunderstanding of both safety protocols and the realities of interstate commerce. It’s a textbook example of leftist policies prioritizing misguided notions of inclusivity over the actual safety and well-being of American citizens.

In conclusion, facts don’t care about your feelings, and the facts about trucker safety are unequivocal. English proficiency for commercial drivers isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity. The left can whine all they want about inclusivity, but at the end of the day, the ability to read “DANGER AHEAD” might just save lives.