Secretary of State Marco Rubio has mandated a return to the traditional Times New Roman font for all U.S. diplomatic correspondence, effective immediately. This decision, announced on March 5, 2024, reverses a policy implemented under the Biden administration that had adopted the more modern Calibri font. Rubio criticized the previous shift as “wasteful” and “confusing,” arguing that it undermines the dignity of U.S. government documents.
In a cable sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates, Rubio emphasized, “Typography shapes how official documents are perceived in terms of cohesion, professionalism, and formality.” He attributed the 2023 switch to misguided diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies initiated by former Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The cable stated that the transition to Calibri was intended to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities, yet Rubio claimed it failed to achieve that objective and cost the department approximately $145,000.
Since his appointment in January, Rubio has embarked on a campaign to dismantle DEI programs within the State Department, aligning with directives from former President Donald Trump. This broader initiative seeks to restore what the Trump administration describes as merit-based standards across federal agencies. As part of these efforts, Rubio has eliminated various offices and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, both domestically and at international locations.
Rubio’s cable, which was obtained by the Associated Press and first reported by the New York Times, expressed that while the switch to Calibri was not among the most significant issues related to DEI, it nonetheless represented a cosmetic change that degraded the quality of the department’s correspondence. He noted that the use of Calibri also created a mismatch with the typeface used in the State Department’s letterhead.
In a separate memo distributed to department employees, Rubio outlined that the return to Times New Roman would take effect on March 6, 2024. All official document templates are required to be updated accordingly, with the exception of documents prepared for international treaties and presidential appointments, which must continue to use Courier New in 12-point font.
The decision has sparked discussions about the role of typography in official communications and the underlying motivations behind changes in government policy. As the State Department shifts back to Times New Roman, it remains to be seen how this move will affect perceptions of U.S. diplomatic correspondence moving forward.
