Marco Rubio Removes State Department’s Official Typeface, Says It ‘Lacks Decorum’ — It’s One of the Most Common Fonts

Marco Rubio has recently made a bold move by removing the State Department’s official typeface, citing that it ‘lacks decorum’. The decision comes as a surprising reversal from the previous choice made by former Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. The switch is reported to be from the modern Calibri font back to the more traditional Times New Roman. This move has sparked discussions around professionalism and communication standards within government agencies.

According to an article in PEOPLE, Marco Rubio, the current Secretary of State, issued a memo on Tuesday, Dec. 9, announcing the decision to return to Times New Roman as the standard typeface for official communications. Rubio stated that this change is aimed at restoring decorum and professionalism to the department’s written work products. The decision also marks a step away from what he called a ‘wasteful D.E.I.A. program’, referring to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility initiatives.

Formerly, during President Joe Biden’s administration, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had chosen to implement Calibri as the official font for the State Department in 2023. The move was intended to enhance accessibility, particularly for readers with disabilities. However, Rubio’s recent directive to revert to Times New Roman signals a shift in priorities, focusing on unity and a cohesive voice in diplomatic communications. The memo emphasised a need for a consistent and professional tone in all official correspondences.

Rubio highlighted the importance of aligning with the President’s directive of presenting ‘One Voice for America’s Foreign Relations’. The choice of font, according to Rubio, plays a role in conveying tradition, formality and ceremony, aligning with other government entities like the White House and the Supreme Court. This decision reflects a broader strategy by Rubio to uphold established norms and practices within the State Department.

In addition to changing the font back to Times New Roman, Rubio also adjusted the typeface size from the previously mandated 15-point to 14-point. This shift aims to maintain a balance between readability and a sense of formality in official documents. Times New Roman, a classic serif font, has a long-standing history as the department’s preferred typeface, having been in use for almost two decades before the switch to Calibri.

The debate between Times New Roman and Calibri extends beyond mere aesthetics, touching on issues of tradition, accessibility and professionalism. The preference for serif fonts like Times New Roman is rooted in their perceived associations with formal communication. On the other hand, the use of sans-serif fonts like Calibri is often linked to modernity and readability, particularly for digital platforms.

The decision to switch back to Times New Roman reflects a broader conversation within government agencies about the balance between tradition and innovation in communication practices. As Rubio asserts the importance of decorum and professionalism, the choice of font may seem like a small detail but carries significant symbolic weight in diplomatic communications. This move sets a precedent for prioritising established norms while adapting to evolving standards of inclusivity and accessibility in governmental communication.