WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order requiring commercial truck drivers working in the U.S. to be proficient in English, reinforcing an existing federal law that required English-language proficiency for any commercial drivers. 

The text of the order, which was signed Monday night, highlighted the importance of truckers to the nation’s economy, calling them “essential to the strength of our economy, the security of our Nation, and the livelihoods of the American people.” 

Federal law already requires that drivers must be proficient in English to obtain a commercial driver’s license, which is a requirement for driving big-rigs and other transport vehicles. 

In the order, Trump contends the “requirement has not been enforced in years, and America’s roadways have become less safe.”

“My Administration will enforce the law to protect the safety of American truckers, drivers, passengers, and others, including by upholding the safety enforcement regulations that ensure that anyone behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle is properly qualified and proficient in our national language, English,” the order states.

The new executive order comes a month after Trump signed a separate order making English the official language of the United States. Before 2025, the U.S. did not have an official language, unlike most other countries in the world.

It also comes as the role of truck drivers is poised to become more vital and undergo more scrutiny. A trade war between the U.S. and China is beginning to shape the economy, with ports indicating they are expecting fewer cargo ships in the next few months. 

Goods coming to the U.S. may be brought in over land from either Mexico or Canada, requiring trucks to haul them. And if Trump were to enact his global tariffs, which he put a 90-day pause on earlier in the month shortly before they were set to take effect, then trucking would be an even more essential way for stores to get their stock.