US State Department changes official document font to include inclusions

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Although presented primarily as a matter of clarity and formality in presentation, Rubio’s directive to all diplomatic posts around the world blamed “radical” Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs for what he saw as an ill-advised and ineffective shift from the serif (i.e., one that has “dashes” at the ends of letters) Times New Roman to the sans-serif Calibri font in the official documentation of the ministry.

In a memo obtained by The New York Times, Rubio said returning to the Times New Roman font would “restore decorum and professionalism to the department’s written records.” Calibri is “informal” compared to serif fonts like Times New Roman, the order says, and “in conflict” with the department’s official letterhead.

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A State Department official confirmed the authenticity of the document.

The directive, titled “Return to Tradition: New Mandatory 14-Point Roman Font for All Department Documents,” represents the Trump administration’s latest attempt to eliminate vestiges of diversity initiatives in the federal government.

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Then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken ordered the typography change in 2023 on the recommendation of the State Department’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which Rubio later abolished. The change was intended to improve accessibility for readers with disabilities, such as low vision and dyslexia, and for people who use assistive technology, such as screen readers.

Calibri, sometimes described as smooth and modern, is generally considered more accessible to people with reading difficulties thanks to its simpler shapes and wider spacing between letters, making them easier to distinguish. Blinken’s initiative was applauded by accessibility advocates.

But Rubio’s order rejected the rationale for the change. This change, he admitted, “is not among the most illegal, immoral, radical or costly examples of DEIA.” But Rubio called it a failure by the department’s standards, saying “instances of accessibility-based document remediation” had not decreased.

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“The move to Calibri has brought no benefit other than the degradation of the department’s official correspondence,” Rubio said. He noted that Times New Roman had been the department’s official font for nearly 20 years, until the 2023 change. (Prior to 2004, the State Department used Courier New.)

Echoing President Donald Trump’s call for a classical style in federal architecture, Rubio’s order cited the origins of serif fonts in ancient Rome. Admirers say these flourishes make the letters look sleeker and easier to distinguish, although they can also create a cluttered feeling.

Serif fonts are “generally perceived as evoking tradition, formality, and ceremony,” Rubio’s order states, adding that they have been used by the White House, the Supreme Court, and other state and federal government entities, as well as on the side letters of Air Force One.

Many diplomats are unhappy with the changes Rubio has implemented in the structure and direction of the department, and have reported a serious blow to morale in their ranks. The Calibri font change, promoted by the Biden administration, sparked some complaints from traditionalists who preferred Times New Roman. Blinken also changed the default font size from 14 to 15 points, requiring more keystrokes, which some diplomats found tedious.