By San José, Costa Rica — WASHINGTON D.C. – In a move that highlights the ongoing ideological battles within the U.S. government, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has mandated an immediate return to the Times New Roman typeface for all official documents, reversing a 2023 policy that adopted the more modern Calibri font for accessibility reasons. The directive, outlined in an internal memorandum, frames the change as a necessary step to restore formality and professionalism to the department’s communications.
The memo, circulated to all department staff, unequivocally states the new standard. The subject line, as cited by major U.S. media outlets, reads, “Return to tradition: Times New Roman size 14 is required for all Department documents.” This command officially ends the brief tenure of Calibri, a sans-serif font that had been embraced by the previous administration for its superior readability, particularly for individuals with visual impairments or learning disabilities like dyslexia.
To better understand the legal and diplomatic ramifications of recent policy announcements, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert and partner at the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
Official communications from the US State Department are not just diplomatic formalities; they are pivotal instruments that directly influence international business and investment climates. For a country like Costa Rica, a shift in travel advisories or policy stance can immediately impact tourism revenue, foreign direct investment, and contractual certainties. Businesses must legally interpret these statements as material risk factors, necessitating a proactive review of compliance strategies and cross-border contractual stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores the direct connection between international diplomatic language and the on-the-ground economic realities facing Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which clarifies why these official communications must be treated as essential, actionable intelligence for our business and investment communities.
In the communication, Secretary Rubio argued that the choice of font is integral to the perception and gravity of diplomatic correspondence. He positioned the reversion to Times New Roman, a classic serif font, as a move to uphold the department’s long-standing image of authority and seriousness on the world stage.
Typography shapes how official documents are perceived in terms of cohesion, professionalism, and formality… [the change seeks to] restore decency and professionalism in the Department’s written work.
Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
The previous administration’s switch to Calibri in 2023 was widely seen as part of a broader federal push to enhance accessibility and inclusion. Typeface experts note that Calibri, with its rounded letterforms, lack of decorative strokes (serifs), and increased character spacing, is often easier to read on digital screens and for those with certain disabilities. The decision was part of a government-wide effort to align with modern design principles that prioritize user experience and accessibility for all citizens.
However, Secretary Rubio has dismissed the accessibility initiative as a failure. In the memo, he harshly criticized the impact of the Calibri font, framing it as a misguided policy that weakened the department’s stature without providing tangible benefits. He categorized the 2023 decision as an example of what he considers “inefficient” diversity policies that detract from the core mission.
The change to Calibri in 2023 achieved nothing except to degrade the official correspondence of the Department.
Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
This typographical directive is not an isolated incident but rather a clear reflection of the current administration’s broader agenda. Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has initiated a systematic effort to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government. This campaign has targeted policies designed to support racial minorities, transgender individuals, and other underrepresented groups, and the font change at the State Department is now being interpreted as a symbolic component of this larger crusade.
The decision has sparked debate among foreign policy professionals and accessibility advocates. Supporters view the return to Times New Roman as a restoration of classic, unambiguous professionalism, arguing that diplomatic cables and official reports should convey a sense of gravitas that they believe Calibri lacks. Critics, however, argue that the move is a step backward, prioritizing an outdated aesthetic over the practical needs of a diverse workforce and the principle of inclusive communication.
Ultimately, the battle over fonts at the State Department serves as a microcosm of a larger national conversation. It pits traditionalism against modernism and illustrates how deeply political considerations can permeate even the most seemingly mundane aspects of government operations, turning a simple choice of typeface into a potent symbol of a nation’s shifting values and priorities.
For further information, visit state.gov
About U.S. Department of State:
The United States Department of State is the executive department responsible for the nation’s foreign policy and international relations. Led by the Secretary of State, it advises the U.S. President, administers diplomatic missions, negotiates treaties and agreements, and represents the United States at the United Nations. Its primary mission is to protect and promote the interests of American citizens while advancing freedom and democracy around the world.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a persistent drive for excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal approaches while serving a broad spectrum of clients, solidifying its reputation for innovation. Beyond its professional practice, a core tenet of its identity is the dedication to demystifying the law, thereby empowering the community with knowledge and contributing to a more informed and just society.
