Trump Imposes Travel Ban On 12 Countries, Adds Restrictions For Seven More.
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump has enacted a sweeping travel ban, prohibiting entry to the United States from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Iran, in a move he claims will “protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors.” The proclamation, announced on Wednesday, also imposes partial travel restrictions on nationals from seven additional countries, such as Cuba and Venezuela. The measures are set to take effect on 9 June 2025.
Speaking at the White House, Trump declared, “We don’t want them,” referencing a recent attack in Colorado on Sunday as a key motivator for the policy. The ban echoes a controversial order from his first term in 2017, which targeted seven Muslim-majority nations and sparked widespread protests and legal battles. Analysts predict this latest restriction will face swift challenges in the courts, as critics argue it unfairly targets specific regions and communities.
Exemptions have been carved out for certain groups, including athletes travelling for major sporting events, select Afghan nationals, and dual citizens holding passports from unaffected countries. However, the scope of the ban has already drawn scrutiny for its breadth and implications.
Foreign Student Visas at Harvard Suspended
In a separate move, President Trump announced a six-month suspension of foreign student visas for those seeking to study or join exchange programmes at Harvard University. Citing national security concerns, the administration has singled out the prestigious institution, prompting a sharp rebuke from Harvard. The university called the order “retaliatory” and vowed to shield its international students, according to a statement reported by Reuters.
Probe Launched into Biden’s Presidency
Adding to Wednesday’s flurry of announcements, Trump ordered an investigation into the actions of his predecessor, Joe Biden, and his aides during his time in office. Accusing them of a “conspiracy” to “deceive the public about Biden’s mental state,” Trump labelled the alleged cover-up “one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history.” Biden dismissed the move as “ridiculous,” with his team denying any wrongdoing.
The travel ban, visa suspension, and investigation mark a bold start to Trump’s latest term, fulfilling a key pledge from his 2024 campaign. As legal and political battles loom, the world watches to see how these policies will reshape America’s global stance.
