US Department of State Ditches Calibri, Embraces Tradition with Times New Roman Font
In a move that has left many bewildered, the US Department of State is reversing its 2023 decision to use sans-serif Calibri font in official communications. The new policy, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sees the serif font Times New Roman take center stage instead.
Rubio frames the change as an effort to restore professionalism to the department's correspondence, citing Calibri's "informal" nature as a reason for its eventual demise. According to the former secretary, serif fonts like Times New Roman convey tradition, formality, and ceremony – qualities that are antithetical to the more relaxed aesthetic of sans-serif fonts.
The switch was originally made in 2023 under the watch of former Secretary Antony Blinken, who aimed to improve accessibility by using fonts with high contrast between lines. Sans-serif fonts like Calibri work better with assistive technologies, making it easier for individuals with visual impairments to read and navigate official communications.
However, Rubio's decision has been interpreted as a reaction against diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI) initiatives – an effort that was often at odds with the second Trump administration. By lumping Calibri into this category, Rubio is essentially implying that the font is somehow tied to radical or wasteful spending. The move has been met with skepticism by some, who see it as a petty attempt to undermine DEI efforts.
The reversal of the policy has sparked debate about the role of aesthetics in government communications and the unintended consequences of anti-DEI rhetoric. As the department settles back into its traditional typography, one thing is clear: the days of Calibri are behind it – at least for now.
In a move that has left many bewildered, the US Department of State is reversing its 2023 decision to use sans-serif Calibri font in official communications. The new policy, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sees the serif font Times New Roman take center stage instead.
Rubio frames the change as an effort to restore professionalism to the department's correspondence, citing Calibri's "informal" nature as a reason for its eventual demise. According to the former secretary, serif fonts like Times New Roman convey tradition, formality, and ceremony – qualities that are antithetical to the more relaxed aesthetic of sans-serif fonts.
The switch was originally made in 2023 under the watch of former Secretary Antony Blinken, who aimed to improve accessibility by using fonts with high contrast between lines. Sans-serif fonts like Calibri work better with assistive technologies, making it easier for individuals with visual impairments to read and navigate official communications.
However, Rubio's decision has been interpreted as a reaction against diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI) initiatives – an effort that was often at odds with the second Trump administration. By lumping Calibri into this category, Rubio is essentially implying that the font is somehow tied to radical or wasteful spending. The move has been met with skepticism by some, who see it as a petty attempt to undermine DEI efforts.
The reversal of the policy has sparked debate about the role of aesthetics in government communications and the unintended consequences of anti-DEI rhetoric. As the department settles back into its traditional typography, one thing is clear: the days of Calibri are behind it – at least for now.
I'm not sure why they're ditching Calibri after just 2 years... I mean, it was a good font and it worked well with accessibility features. Times New Roman can be a bit old-school but I guess it's classic for a reason? 
What's wrong with being modern and inclusive, you know? 
It feels like they're going back to some kind of traditionalist vibe that doesn't exactly scream 'progress'... 
I'd have liked to see them find a way to blend old and new rather than just reverting to the past. 
. And what's up with the whole "DEI initiatives" thing? It's not like Calibri was trying to be inflammatory or anything. It's just a font! 
. I guess you could say I'm just nostalgic for the good ol' days of Calibri 
but seriously tho, i can see why they'd wanna go back to Times New Roman - it's just so classic and professional! 
But seriously, I get that the new SecState wants to make a statement about professionalism and tradition, but come on... it's just a font! 
. I mean, I know the original SecState thought Calibri was more accessible, but times have changed and so should our government communications 
.
Using Calibri wasn't trying to be fancy or anything, it was just an effort to make things easier for people with visual impairments. I'm not sure what's more confusing - the fact that they switched back to Times New Roman or the whole idea that Calibri is somehow tied to DEI initiatives... 