WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration is defending its decision not to provide real-time American Sign Language interpretation at White House events, arguing in court filings that such services could interfere with President Donald Trump's ability to shape how the public sees him.
In a lawsuit brought by the National Association for the Deaf, Justice Department attorneys said requiring live ASL interpretation for events such as press briefings "would severely intrude on the President's prerogative to control the image he presents to the public." The administration has not detailed precisely how sign language interpretation would undermine that goal.
The legal fight is unfolding as Trump's second administration moves aggressively to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the federal government, a shift that began in his first week back in office.
The National Association for the Deaf sued the administration in May, arguing that ending ASL interpretation, which was regularly used during former President Joe Biden's administration, amounted to "denying hundreds of thousands of deaf Americans meaningful access to the White House's real-time communications on various issues of national and international import." The group had also sued during Trump's first term, seeking ASL interpretation during White House briefings on the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a June court filing opposing a request for a preliminary injunction, first reported by Politico, government lawyers said mandating ASL interpretation for news conferences "would severely intrude on the President's prerogative to control the image he presents to the public." They also argued that the president has "the prerogative to shape his Administration's image and messaging as he sees fit."
The Justice Department contended that the administration already provides alternative ways for Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals to access presidential remarks, including online transcripts and closed captioning. Lawyers also said logistical challenges could arise if Trump were to take questions spontaneously rather than speak at a scheduled briefing.
A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about the lawsuit or about how ASL interpretation could affect Trump's public image.
In the June filing, government attorneys also questioned whether other branches of government are held to the same standard when they do not provide similar interpretive services.
Washington, D.C. is home to Gallaudet University, the world's leading institution for the deaf and hard of hearing, and is widely seen as having a large pool of qualified ASL interpreters. Mayor Muriel Bowser has made sign language interpretation a regular feature of her public appearances, often using two interpreters who rotate during events.
Last month, a federal judge rejected the administration's objections and ordered the White House to provide real-time ASL interpretation for remarks by Trump and press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The administration has appealed that ruling. While it has begun supplying ASL interpretation at some events, the two sides continue to disagree on the scope of required services.
The dispute comes amid broader efforts by the administration to roll back diversity-related policies. In his first week back in office, Trump signed an executive order halting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the federal government.
At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued an order in January declaring DEI policies "incompatible" with the department's mission.
This week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered U.S. diplomatic correspondence to revert to the Times New Roman font, arguing that the Biden administration's 2023 switch to the sans serif Calibri font stemmed from misguided diversity, equity, and inclusion policies pursued by his predecessor.
