The United States State Department has recently enacted a significant policy reversal concerning its official typographic standard, transitioning from Calibri back to the more traditional Times New Roman. This move effectively undoes a prior adjustment implemented during the previous administration, which sought to enhance document readability for individuals with visual impairments and learning differences. The decision has reignited discussions on the balance between uniformity, professional appearance, and inclusive design principles within governmental communications.
State Department Returns to Traditional Font Amidst Policy Shift
On December 11, 2025, the U.S. State Department announced a directive from Secretary of State Marco Rubio to re-establish Times New Roman, 14-point font, as the mandatory typeface for all official documents. This pronouncement signals a definitive departure from the Calibri font, which had been adopted in 2023 with the intention of improving accessibility. Secretary Rubio, in a cable dispatched to U.S. diplomatic missions globally, characterized the earlier change as an element of what he termed "misguided diversity, equity, and inclusion policies."
Times New Roman, a serif font characterized by small decorative strokes at the end of its letterforms, had served as the State Department's standard for nearly two decades, from 2004 until 2023. In contrast, Calibri, a sans-serif font, lacks these embellishments, a characteristic often cited for its enhanced legibility, particularly for those with reading difficulties such as dyslexia or low vision. Experts in accessibility, such as Kristen Shinohara from the Rochester Institute of Technology, emphasize that sans-serif fonts generally offer clearer readability, which is why they are often mandated for physical signage and display screens under regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Despite these accessibility considerations, the State Department's statement underscored that "consistent formatting strengthens credibility and supports a unified Department identity," asserting that serif fonts like Times New Roman project a more "formal and professional" image. The department did not, however, address inquiries regarding the potential impact on document accessibility. This font transition is viewed within the context of the current administration's wider efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies, a stance that has seen the rescinding of executive orders and the re-evaluation of various programs focusing on these areas.
Beyond typography, the administration has also demonstrated a broader emphasis on aesthetics and control over communication, including directives on architectural styles for federal buildings and restrictions on specific terminology used by government entities. This broader pattern highlights a concerted effort to shape the visual and linguistic landscape of federal operations, reflecting a distinct political and ideological orientation.
The return to Times New Roman by the State Department provokes a crucial dialogue about the prioritization of aesthetic tradition versus functional accessibility. While the desire for a "unified" and "professional" appearance is understandable for a global diplomatic body, it is essential to consider the implications for those who rely on accessible design. This decision might inadvertently create barriers for individuals with reading disabilities, contradicting the spirit of inclusivity. Moving forward, it would be beneficial for government agencies to explore solutions that harmoniously integrate both professionalism and universal accessibility, ensuring that official communications are not only authoritative but also universally comprehensible.