Trump Administration Shuts Down White House Spanish-Language Page/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration has removed the Spanish-language version of the White House website and social media profiles, prompting criticism from Latino advocates. The abrupt change coincides with Trump’s broader immigration policies, leaving many questioning the administration’s commitment to engaging Spanish-speaking communities. Officials say the site may return, but no timeline was provided.
White House Spanish Page Shutdown: Quick Looks
- Website Removal: Spanish White House page and social media accounts taken offline immediately after inauguration.
- Latino Advocacy Response: Critics say it signals neglect of Spanish-speaking Americans and immigrants.
- Official Explanation: Administration cites website updates but offers no clear timeline for restoration.
- Context: Move aligns with Trump’s immigration crackdown and other first-term actions.
- Impact on Latino Community: Experts emphasize the importance of accessible information in Spanish for civic inclusion.
Trump Administration Shuts Down White House Spanish-Language Page
Deep Look
In a controversial move following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Spanish-language version of the White House website and related social media accounts were removed. The action, reminiscent of Trump’s first term, has drawn criticism from Hispanic leaders, communication strategists, and advocates who see it as a deliberate snub to Spanish-speaking Americans.
Website and Social Media Shutdown
The Spanish-language White House website, previously located at whitehouse.gov/es, now redirects to an error page. Initially, a button labeled “Go Home” directed users to a video montage of Trump’s campaign highlights but was later updated to say “Go To Home Page.” Additionally, the @LaCasaBlanca account on X (formerly Twitter) was also deactivated.
While the Spanish pages for other agencies, such as the Departments of Justice and Labor, remain active, the abrupt removal of the White House’s Spanish content has sparked confusion and frustration. Officials claim the removal is part of ongoing updates, but critics remain skeptical.
Official Statement and History
“It’s day two. We are in the process of developing and tweaking the website. Some archived content went dormant as part of this process.”
However, this explanation mirrors the rationale used during Trump’s first term, when the Spanish page was removed in 2017 and reinstated by President Joe Biden in 2021.
Latino Advocacy Concerns
Latino leaders have expressed disappointment, citing the symbolic and practical implications of the removal. Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation, emphasized the importance of providing Spanish-language resources:
“If the White House is serious about engaging with Latinos, updates must be distributed in Spanish to ensure everyone is part of the civic process.”
Monica Rivera, a communications strategist, called the move a signal to Trump’s base:
“It draws a distinct line as to who the administration is serving.”
Anthony Hernandez, a paralegal in Washington, D.C., echoed this sentiment, noting that the move alienates millions of Hispanic Americans who rely on Spanish-language information.
Context of the Removal
The page’s removal coincided with Trump’s announcement of an immigration crackdown, a cornerstone of his campaign. Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and outlined plans to deploy troops to assist border agents. This alignment of actions underscores the administration’s hardline stance on immigration and its prioritization of border security.
Community Impact and Broader Criticism
Approximately 43.4 million Americans, or 13.7% of the population aged five and older, speak Spanish at home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The removal of Spanish-language resources limits access to critical government information for these individuals. Critics argue that this exclusion undermines the civic engagement of Spanish-speaking Americans and immigrants, particularly on issues like immigration reform and economic policy.
Hispanic leaders also highlighted the inconsistency of removing only Spanish-language resources. Jeff Lee, a former deputy cabinet secretary for California Governor Jerry Brown, found the decision perplexing:
“No other language mediums seem to have been removed. Singling out Spanish feels deliberate.”
Latino Support and Political Implications
Despite the controversy, Trump gained significant support among Latino voters in his recent campaign, particularly among young Latino men. AP VoteCast surveys revealed a notable increase in Trump’s share of Latino votes compared to his first term. The removal of the Spanish-language site, however, may create friction with these voters and hinder the administration’s ability to communicate effectively with the broader Hispanic community.
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