The U.S. State Department has revoked the visas of six foreign nationals accused of posting critical or celebratory comments online following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The move marks a dramatic step by Donald Trump’s administration, which once pledged to protect free expression on social media. Officials said the individuals “celebrated the heinous assassination” and would no longer be “welcome in the United States.” The decision has sparked outrage from rights groups, citing freedom of speech concerns.
Read: Trump Forced to Drop Netanyahu Invite After Erdoğan’s Threat
Visas Revoked Over Online Comments
In a statement posted on X, the State Department announced that six foreign nationals had their U.S. visas revoked due to “posts celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk.” The agency declared, “The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans.” The post included a list of “examples of aliens who are no longer welcome in the U.S.” and screenshots of their comments, identifying users from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Paraguay, and South Africa.
Also read: Newsom Sparks Outrage Over Racial Justice as He Vetoes 5 Key Reparations Bills
State Department’s Online Thread
The department’s thread on X featured the controversial posts made by the foreign users, though none were identified by name. The screenshots, however, allowed journalists and social media users to trace at least two of their identities. One post read, “Charlie Kirk won’t be remembered as a hero. He was used to astroturf a movement of white nationalist trailer trash!” The online release concluded with a firm declaration that Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio “will defend our borders, our culture, and our citizens by enforcing our immigration laws.”
Also read: “We Are in This Together” Prince Andrew’s 2011 Email to Epstein Resurfaces
Administration Defends Harsh Action
The State Department justified its actions as a matter of national principle. “Aliens who take advantage of America’s hospitality while celebrating the assassination of our citizens will be removed,” the statement read. Officials claimed that revoking the visas served both as a deterrent and as an assertion of sovereignty. The administration framed the move as consistent with its mission to “protect American lives and values” in the wake of the high-profile killing.
Also read: Newsom Shocks California by Vetoing Bill Aimed at Curbing Online Hate Speech
Trump Officials Call for Reporting Posts
Last month, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau publicly urged social media users to report posts that “praise, rationalize, or make light” of Kirk’s murder. “I am disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light of the event,” Landau said, adding that he had directed consular officials “to undertake appropriate action.” His remarks were viewed as a signal that the government would pursue visa penalties for those expressing hostility toward the slain activist.
Also read: ICE Under Fire After 13-Year-Old Taken From Family and Sent 500 Miles Away
Broader Crackdown on Foreign Voices
The decision follows a series of measures targeting foreign nationals for their online behavior and political speech. The Trump administration has intensified efforts to expel international students accused of “participating in unrest,” including protests against Israel’s killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Foreign visitors are now required to disclose their social media accounts before entering the U.S., part of a wider effort to monitor political activity and online sentiment among non-citizens.
Also read: Trump’s $870 Million Bitcoin Surge Raises Serious Questions of Insider Trading
Pattern of Political Retaliation
In recent months, the administration has expelled South Africa’s ambassador to Washington for remarks critical of Trump, revoked Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s visa to attend the United Nations General Assembly, and denied entry to British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan. Officials also revealed that they are reviewing the status of over 55 million visa holders for potential “violations of U.S. standards,” a sweeping initiative seen as part of a larger ideological purge.
Also read: Trump Administration Plans to Sell $1.6 Trillion Student Loan Portfolio to Wall Street
Civil Rights Groups Condemn Move
Civil liberties advocates have sharply criticized the decision, calling it an assault on the fundamental right to free expression. Legal experts argue that U.S. constitutional protections apply to everyone within its borders, not just citizens. Rights organizations have labeled the move “a dangerous precedent” that blurs the line between national security enforcement and political censorship. Critics warn that punishing foreign nationals for online opinions could erode America’s reputation as a defender of free speech.