Marco Rubios Times New Roman Order for Diplomats Sparks Online Reaction

U.S. State Department Shifts Font from Calibri to Times New Roman Under New Policy

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered a formal change. The State Department must now use Times New Roman font for all documents. This directive reverses a policy from the prior administration. It takes effect immediately for internal and external communications.

The move replaces Calibri, which was adopted for accessibility reasons. According to the BBC, the change aims to project more formality and dignity. The announcement has sparked significant discussion online.

Times New Roman font

Public Reaction and Official Justification for the Font Shift

Social media reactions ranged from mockery to bemusement. Many users questioned the priority of a font change. One comment joked that officials were “always working on top priorities.” Another stated it was a pressing issue for our time.

A State Department spokesperson provided the official reasoning. They stated the change aligns with standards for government correspondence. The goal is to ensure communications reflect dignity and formality.

The previous font, Calibri, was chosen under Secretary Antony Blinken. It was selected in 2023 for its screen readability. This was seen as an aid for people with visual disabilities.

Design Perspectives and the Lasting Impact of Typography

The creator of Calibri, Lucas de Groot, shared his thoughts. He called the reversal both “sad” and “hilarious.” De Groot noted Calibri was designed for modern computer screens. It was specifically created to replace older fonts like Times New Roman.

Times New Roman has a long history in official and publishing contexts. It first appeared in The Times of London newspaper in 1932. The serif font is traditionally associated with formality and print.

Calibri is a sans-serif font published by Microsoft in 2007. It became a default in many software suites due to its clean readability. This shift represents a clash between traditional formality and modern digital design principles.

This policy change highlights how even subtle details like typography carry weight in official image. The return to the Times New Roman font signals a deliberate shift in tone for U.S. diplomatic correspondence.

Info at your fingertips

Why did the State Department change its official font?

Secretary Marco Rubio ordered the change to Times New Roman for increased formality. The department stated it wants communications to reflect dignity and consistency. This reverses a 2023 move to the more accessible Calibri font.

How did people react to the news online?

Reactions on social media were largely satirical. Many users mocked the focus on typography amid other global issues. Comments suggested it was an unusual priority for the government.

What was the reason for originally using Calibri?

The Calibri font was adopted under Secretary Antony Blinken. It was chosen primarily for better on-screen readability. This was considered helpful for individuals with visual impairments.

What did the designer of Calibri say about the change?

Designer Lucas de Groot called the decision both sad and hilarious. He noted Calibri was designed for modern screens to replace fonts like Times New Roman. His reaction was reported by the BBC.

What is the main difference between the two fonts?

Times New Roman is a serif font, often seen as more traditional and formal. Calibri is a sans-serif font, known for clean lines and high screen readability. The shift is seen as moving from modern accessibility to classic formality.