United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the country.

The order, which was signed on Saturday, allows government agencies and organisations that receive federal funding to choose whether to continue to offer documents and services in languages other than English.

This rescinds a mandate from former United States president Bill Clinton that required the government and organisations that received federal funding to provide language assistance to non-English speakers.

“Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society,” according to the order.

“In welcoming new Americans, a policy of encouraging the learning and adoption of our national language will make the United States a shared home and empower new citizens to achieve the American dream.

“Speaking English not only opens doors economically, but it helps newcomers engage in their communities, participate in national traditions, and give back to our society,” the order also stated.

Trump had few days ago planned to sign the executive order.

The United States, in its nearly 250-year history, is said to have never had a national language at the federal level.

Trump signs executive order designating English as official language of United States