US secretary of state Marco Rubio has ordered diplomats to return to using Times New Roman font in official communications, calling his predecessor’s decision to adopt Calibri a “wasteful” diversity move, an internal department cable reveals.
The department under Antony Blinken in early January 2023 switched to Calibri, a modern sans-serif font, saying this was a more accessible font for people with disabilities because it did not have the decorative angular features and was the default in Microsoft products.
A cable dated 9 December sent to all US diplomatic posts said that typography shapes the professionalism of an official document and Calibri is informal compared to serif typefaces.
“To restore decorum and professionalism to the Department’s written work products and abolish yet another wasteful DEIA programme, the Department is returning to Times New Roman as its standard typeface,” the cable said.

The directive to maintain a consistent and professional voice in all communications is part of the President’s One Voice for America’s Foreign Relations initiative. This initiative emphasizes the Department’s duty to present a coherent and unified narrative on the international stage, ensuring that all official statements reflect the administration’s policies and perspectives.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Some studies suggest that sans-serif fonts, such as Calibri, are easier to read for those with certain visual disabilities.

Upon assuming office in January, President Trump, a Republican, swiftly undertook measures to dismantle federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. His administration actively discouraged these initiatives within both the private sector and educational institutions. This included mandates to terminate diversity officers at federal agencies and withdrawing grant funding from various programs that supported diversity efforts.

DEI policies became more widespread after nationwide protests in 2020 against police killings of unarmed Black people, spurring a conservative backlash. Trump and other critics of diversity initiatives say they are discriminatory against white people and men and have eroded merit-based decision-making.

You May Also Like

Bluey’s $2 Coin Collection Makes a Triumphant Return: A Must-Have for Fans and Collectors

Australia’s beloved blue heeler has made a return to the spotlight at…

Controversial ‘Globalise the Intifada’ Event Proceeds Despite Lord Mayor’s Cancellation Attempt

A pro-Palestine forum will take place in Sydney despite permission to use…

Australians Hopeful for Rare RBA Policy Shift Amid Economic Uncertainty

Ben Udy, the chief economist at Oxford Economics Australia, has issued a…

Discover the Real Impact of RBA Rate Hike on Your Finances

The recent surge in interest rates has jolted millions of Australian borrowers,…

Poll Reveals Key Concern for Anthony Albanese Amid Uluru Rally: The Post-Voice Vote Challenge

Recent polling indicates that voters are increasingly distancing themselves from Anthony Albanese’s…

Australians Face Financial Struggles as Economic Challenges Persist

The Reserve Bank‘s third successive rate hike hit mortgage holders like a…

Comedian Faces Backlash Over Controversial Joke on Alleged Murder: Public Outcry Grows

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains…

Leagh’s Unexpected Discovery on Partner’s Phone Leaves Her in a Dilemma

Would you have the courage to inform a friend that their partner…

Censors Nearly Shelve Disturbing Remake of Controversial ‘Faces of Death’ Horror Film

The latest iteration of the infamous horror film, “Faces of Death,” almost…

Alan Jones’ Lawyer Challenges Legitimacy of Controversial Sex-Abuse Search Warrants

Police stand accused of engaging in impropriety when raiding the home of…

High-Profile Australians Face Setback as Local Seats Reject Voice Referendum

Several high-profile Labor Members of Parliament are advocating for a Yes vote…

Witnesses Reveal Disturbing Indifference to Public Assault in Antisemitism Hearing

In brief The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has heard…