Kathrine Frich
Trump tied the ban directly to a violent incident at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado.
Trump tied the ban directly to a violent incident at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado.
Trump Issues Sweeping New Travel Ban
President Donald Trump announced a new executive order banning entry into the U.S. from 12 countries starting June 9.
He cited national security and the recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, as justification, saying the U.S. “won’t allow what happened in Europe to happen in America.”
“We Don’t Want Them” — Trump’s Stark Warning
In a video posted on X, Trump called out the “extreme dangers” of foreign nationals who enter without proper vetting.
“We don’t want them,” he said bluntly, referring to individuals from nations deemed security threats by the administration.
The 12 Nations Named in the Ban
The new restrictions apply to: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Citizens from these countries are now prohibited from entering the U.S. unless they meet narrow exceptions.
7 More Nations Under Restrictions
In addition to the 12 banned countries, citizens from seven others — Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela — now face tighter travel restrictions.
These measures include enhanced screening and visa limitations.
Exceptions for National Interest and Visas
Despite the sweeping nature of the order, exceptions exist.
Travelers holding specific visa types or whose entry is deemed in the “national interest” may still be allowed. However, the policy leaves broad discretion to border authorities.
Attack in Boulder Sparked the Crackdown
Trump tied the ban directly to a violent incident at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado.
A 45-year-old Egyptian man allegedly hurled incendiary devices while shouting “Free Palestine,” injuring 12 people.
The suspect is now facing hate crime and attempted murder charges.
Egypt Not on the Ban List
Ironically, Egypt, the home country of the Boulder suspect, is not included in Trump’s new travel ban.
The administration has not explained this omission, though Egypt is considered a strategic U.S. ally in the Middle East.
Trump Compares New Ban to 2017 Restrictions
The president drew parallels to his controversial 2017 travel ban, which also targeted several Muslim-majority countries.
Trump claimed that earlier restrictions helped prevent terror attacks on U.S. soil, unlike in Europe.
Critics Blast Ban as Anti-Immigrant
While the White House praised the move as “common sense,” critics warned of xenophobia and racial profiling.
Representative groups and civil rights advocates are expected to challenge the policy, much like they did with Trump’s first-term bans.
Trump Doubles Down on National Security
The administration insists the new policy is necessary. “These countries do not provide adequate screening or share threat information,” said Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson.
“This is about protecting American lives, period.”