Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Rubio Orders State Department Back to Times New Roman, Ending Calibri Era

Rubio says the change restores a more professional look consistent with the One Voice standard.

Overview

  • An internal cable dated Dec. 9 directs all posts to use 14‑point Times New Roman for official papers starting Wednesday, with templates updated department‑wide.
  • International treaties and presidential appointment documents remain exempt and must continue in Courier New at 12‑point, according to the memo.
  • The order reverses Antony Blinken’s 2023 shift to Calibri, which was recommended by the diversity and inclusion office to improve accessibility for readers with disabilities and screen‑reader users.
  • A State Department spokesperson said the move aligns with President Donald Trump’s guidance to present a unified, professional voice, even as accessibility experts and Calibri’s designer question the reversal.
  • Rubio tied the decision to rolling back DEIA initiatives and claimed the Calibri switch cost $145,000, a figure reported by outlets without supporting evidence.