The Trump administration has canceled the visas of six individuals who were found to have made disrespectful remarks or jokes about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The State Department made the decision after examining their social media posts and videos related to Kirk, who was tragically killed while giving a speech at a college campus in Utah in September.
This announcement coincided with President Donald Trump posthumously honoring Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him a “great American hero” and a “martyr” for freedom at Kirk’s funeral. The administration and its allies have targeted individuals for their comments on Kirk, resulting in dismissals or disciplinary actions against journalists, educators, and others, sparking concerns about freedom of speech.
The six foreigners whose visas were revoked hailed from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Paraguay, and South Africa but were not publicly identified. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized their commitment to safeguarding borders, culture, and citizens by enforcing immigration laws, particularly against individuals who exploit American hospitality while applauding the assassination of citizens.
Vice President JD Vance and other prominent U.S. officials have urged the public to report offensive language regarding Kirk seen online. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau made an unusual request on social media for users to inform him of any relevant posts, expressing personal dismay at individuals praising or trivializing the event and directing consular officials to take appropriate measures.
In addition to the recent visa cancellations, the administration has intensified efforts to identify and potentially expel numerous foreigners in the U.S., particularly students, who have allegedly incited or participated in unrest or openly supported protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Moreover, visas have been denied to applicants critical of the administration’s policies on social media.
Notable cases include the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador for criticizing Trump, the visa revocation for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to attend the UN General Assembly, and the withdrawal of visas for British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan. The administration is also assessing the status of over 55 million current U.S. visa holders for potential violations of its criteria.
These actions have drawn criticism from civil rights organizations, alleging infringements on constitutional safeguards for freedom of speech, which extend to all individuals in the U.S., not just American citizens.
