President Donald Trump just slammed the door on travelers from a dozen countries, citing national security. On Wednesday, he signed a proclamation that fully bars entry from 12 nations and slaps restrictions on seven others, as Just the News reports. It’s a bold move, reminiscent of his first-term ban that survived Supreme Court scrutiny.
The proclamation, inked Wednesday, halts entry for citizens of Afghanistan, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, while partially restricting Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. This isn’t about feelings -- it’s about vetting failures in these countries, deemed too risky for America’s safety.
“As President, I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people,” Trump declared. Nice sentiment, but the left will likely cry foul, claiming it’s discrimination dressed up as policy. The truth? It’s a pragmatic response to porous screening systems abroad.
The 12 fully banned countries were flagged for their shoddy vetting processes, posing a “significant risk” to the U.S. Trump’s not reinventing the wheel here -- this echoes his earlier ban targeting eight nations, which the Supreme Court upheld. That precedent gives this order legal teeth.
Partial restrictions hit seven countries, limiting their citizens’ access to the U.S. It’s not a total lockdown, but it sends a clear message: get your screening act together or stay out. Progressive critics will wail about “xenophobia,” but borders aren’t suggestions.
Exceptions exist for lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, specific visa categories, and those whose entry serves U.S. interests. This isn’t a blanket ban -- it’s surgical, with carve-outs for those already vetted or valuable. The woke crowd might overlook that nuance in their rush to outrage.
“I remain committed to engaging with those countries willing to cooperate to improve information-sharing and identity-management procedures,” Trump said. It’s a diplomatic nod, offering a path for nations to clean up their act and ease restrictions. But don’t hold your breath -- cooperation requires mutual trust, not just words.
The order’s roots trace back to Trump’s first term, when his travel ban sparked protests and lawsuits before winning Supreme Court approval. This iteration feels like a refined sequel, broader in scope but grounded in the same logic. Critics will still clutch their pearls, but precedent is on Trump’s side.
The fully restricted countries -- think Iran, Somalia, Yemen -- aren’t exactly models of stability or bureaucratic efficiency. Their vetting systems are either nonexistent or laughably inadequate, per the administration’s assessment. Ignoring that reality isn’t compassion; it’s recklessness.
Partial bans on Burundi, Cuba, and others show Trump’s not painting with a broad brush. These countries face tailored restrictions, likely tied to specific vetting gaps. It’s a measured approach, even if the left spins it as heartless.
Exceptions for certain visa holders and permanent residents underscore the order’s precision. If you’re already cleared or serve U.S. interests, you’re likely in the clear. That’s not the narrative the progressive echo chamber will amplify, though.
The proclamation’s timing, midweek in June 2025, signals Trump’s confidence in its legal footing. He’s not sneaking this through -- he’s owning it, banking on the Supreme Court’s prior blessing. The backlash will come, but he’s playing chess, not checkers.
National security isn’t a buzzword; it’s the bedrock of Trump’s rationale. The 12 banned countries were deemed high-risk for terrorism and public safety threats due to their vetting failures. Closing that gap isn’t “hate” -- it’s common sense.
The seven partially restricted nations face a lighter touch, but the message is clear: shape up or stay out. Trump’s offering a carrot with his call for cooperation, but the stick is real. Good luck selling “open borders” to a nation weary of risks.
This proclamation is Trump doubling down on America First, unapologetically. It’s not about feelings or globalist hugs -- it’s about protecting citizens from verifiable threats. The left can scream “bigotry,” but facts don’t bend to tantrums.