US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered the US Department of State to abandon its use of the widely-used sans-serif font, Calibri, and switch back to traditional Times New Roman for all official government documents. According to a memo obtained by news outlets, Rubio's decision is motivated by his perception that Calibri is "too woke" – implying that it is too progressive or inclusive.
The State Department initially adopted Calibri in January 2023 as part of its efforts to increase accessibility and inclusivity. The font is easier for people with visual disabilities to read, and screen readers can also process it more effectively than serif fonts like Times New Roman.
Rubio's decision has been met with ridicule on social media, with many commentators joking about the "serif revolution" and comparing Trump's efforts to purge "DEI" initiatives from government to a broader agenda of alienating marginalized groups. The memo claims that the switch back to Times New Roman aligns with President Donald Trump's One Voice for America's Foreign Relations directive, but critics see it as part of a larger effort to promote a more authoritarian and exclusionary agenda.
The move has been interpreted by many as a petty example of Trump-style culture war politics, designed to alienate and marginalize those who do not share his views. By pushing back against a font choice that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, Rubio and the Trump administration are signaling that they will stop at nothing to remake the US government in their image.
The decision has been criticized as tone-deaf and divisive, with many arguing that it is an attempt to undermine efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. As one commentator noted, "this formatting standard is all part of the larger MAGA project" – a project aimed at creating a more authoritarian and less inclusive US government.
The State Department initially adopted Calibri in January 2023 as part of its efforts to increase accessibility and inclusivity. The font is easier for people with visual disabilities to read, and screen readers can also process it more effectively than serif fonts like Times New Roman.
Rubio's decision has been met with ridicule on social media, with many commentators joking about the "serif revolution" and comparing Trump's efforts to purge "DEI" initiatives from government to a broader agenda of alienating marginalized groups. The memo claims that the switch back to Times New Roman aligns with President Donald Trump's One Voice for America's Foreign Relations directive, but critics see it as part of a larger effort to promote a more authoritarian and exclusionary agenda.
The move has been interpreted by many as a petty example of Trump-style culture war politics, designed to alienate and marginalize those who do not share his views. By pushing back against a font choice that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, Rubio and the Trump administration are signaling that they will stop at nothing to remake the US government in their image.
The decision has been criticized as tone-deaf and divisive, with many arguing that it is an attempt to undermine efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. As one commentator noted, "this formatting standard is all part of the larger MAGA project" – a project aimed at creating a more authoritarian and less inclusive US government.
this is just getting outta hand... like what's next? Changing the color scheme of the White House to red and blue? 
it's just so petty and hurtful. i mean, accessibility and inclusivity are such big deals right now, and we're gonna undo all that progress over a font choice? Times New Roman is classic, but Calibri was only trying to do better for people with disabilities 
. this move feels like it's more about dividing people than bringing them together 
.
I gotta say, this whole Calibri vs Times New Roman thing is a bit ridiculous. Like, come on, it's just a font 
.
. If they really cared about promoting a more inclusive agenda, they'd focus on actual policies that benefit marginalized communities, not font choices. The whole "serif revolution" thing is just a joke, but unfortunately, it's also a reflection of their broader agenda to alienate and marginalize those who don't agree with them 
.
It's all just petty politics, if you ask me.
but seriously tho, what's with the government tryin to control every little thing ? can't they just let ppl make their own choices ? 
i'm loving the "serif revolution" meme 
and the comparisons to Trump's DEI purge initiatives are on point 
it's clear that this move is all about promoting an agenda that's really alienating marginalized groups 
and let's be real, who thought switching fonts would make a difference in gov policies? 
. And Rubio saying Calibri is "too woke" is just ridiculous. What even does that mean anymore? 
rubio really thinks a font makes a person or policy "too woke"? this is just a petty attempt to stir up drama & divide ppl over stupid stuff. accessibility should be for everyone, not just those who can see 
. I mean, can't we focus on actual issues instead of trying to police what font people use? 
Newsflash: it's not going to hurt anyone if the government uses Calibri or Times New Roman... unless you're talking about progress and inclusivity 
. Rubio and Trump are really out of touch with what's important here 
.
but wait no i just realized that accessibility is everything and people with visual disabilities actually need that easier-to-read font so maybe we should stick with calibri in some contexts like official documents idk 
. I mean, what's wrong with being "woke" and promoting diversity? Is that really something to be ashamed of? Not me, no way 