Kathrine Frich
US embassies have also been told to halt student visa processing
US embassies have also been told to halt student visa processing.
Trump Administration Draws Line Over ‘Censorship Abroad’
The US government has warned that foreign officials involved in suppressing free speech even outside the United States could face visa bans.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered the bold announcement, intensifying tensions between Washington and its allies, including the UK.
British Officials in the Firing Line
Though no country was named explicitly, the move is widely understood to be aimed at the UK following controversial prosecutions and restrictions around online speech.
The case of Lucy Connolly, a British woman jailed for a social media post, is reportedly being monitored by the White House.
“Free Speech is a Red Line,” Says Rubio
Rubio issued a stark message: “It is unacceptable for foreign officials to issue or threaten arrest warrants on US citizens or US residents for social media posts on American platforms while physically present on US soil.”
His warning underscores a growing rift over digital expression.
UK Activists May Get US Backing
The Trump administration’s stance could see British activists receiving official support, especially those prosecuted for speech-related offenses.
Reports suggest a “free-speech task force” has been dispatched to interview UK citizens caught in recent controversies.
Tech Giants in the Crosshairs
This isn’t just about governments. American tech companies have reportedly raised concerns over pressure from European authorities including the UK to censor content.
The US policy shift signals potential retaliation if platforms are forced to moderate content in ways that clash with American values.
Lucy Connolly Case Sparks Transatlantic Tension
The ongoing legal saga of Lucy Connolly jailed for 31 months has become symbolic of the broader clash over speech laws.
Her case, tied to comments on the Southport attacks, has drawn widespread condemnation in the US and triggered calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Embassies Ordered to Pause Visa Processing
US embassies have also been told to halt student visa processing while the administration tightens rules around social media vetting.
British students hoping to study in the US may soon face extra scrutiny if the policy expands.
Critics Accuse Trump of Double Standards
Critics in both the UK and US say the new crackdown smacks of hypocrisy, especially after Trump’s team banned the Associated Press from the White House over a naming dispute.
Free speech, they argue, is being selectively defended.