The Trump administration indicated on Thursday that it might revoke existing visas or refuse new ones if individuals were found to have celebrated or trivialized the assassination of Charlie Kirk. This move is part of a broader effort to address such behaviors on social media by visa holders or applicants.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted on X saying he’s directed consular officials to “undertake appropriate action.”
In a statement, a directive was given to consular officers to take necessary action against those who made inappropriate comments regarding the event. They were encouraged to report any such remarks by non-citizens to ensure the State Department could take appropriate protective steps.
An official from the State Department revealed to ABC News that the U.S. government does not favor issuing visas to individuals whose presence does not support American national security. This aligns with the policy introduced by Landau.
Under President Donald Trump’s administration, there has been an increase in the practice referred to as “expanded screening and vetting.” This procedure involves examining social media accounts of numerous visa applicants, requiring these accounts to be public, and checking for anti-American or antisemitic posts.
Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that visas could be annulled for international students and foreign nationals who were found to have expressed support for Hamas.
The State Department employs artificial intelligence to monitor the social media activities of foreign nationals, looking specifically for posts that could jeopardize the national security interests of the U.S.
The administration has faced legal challenges over concerns for First Amendment protections and due process, but it has argued that visas are granted at the discretion of the State Department and that they are a privilege, not a right, for any foreign national.
ABC News contributed to this report.
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