Trump Signs Controversial Travel Ban Affecting 12 Countries
On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a full travel ban on 12 countries, citing national security risks. The executive order, which goes into effect on June 9, also places partial restrictions on travelers from seven additional nations.
Details of the Travel Ban
The full ban applies to nationals from:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Additionally, partial restrictions have been placed on travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Trump’s Justification for the Ban
In a video statement, Trump referenced the recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, arguing that visa overstayers pose a threat to national security. The suspect in the attack was from Egypt, though Egypt is not included in the travel ban.
Trump stated, “We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm.” He also warned that additional countries could be added to the list in the future.
Legal and Political Reactions
The travel ban has drawn sharp criticism from immigrant rights advocates, who argue that it discriminates based on national origin and lacks clear evidence of improving security.
Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the American Immigration Council, stated, “Sweeping national origin bans declare many innocent people to be a threat based on factors they cannot control in their home countries. There is no evidence this is making us safer.”
Trump’s Approval Rating Holds Steady
Despite the controversy, Trump’s approval rating remained stable, with polls showing mixed results:
- Rasmussen Reports: 53% approval, 46% disapproval
- Trafalgar Group: 53.7% approval, 45.6% disapproval
- Morning Consult: 46% approval, 51% disapproval
- RealClear Polling (average of 15 pollsters): 47.5% approval, 49.7% disapproval.
Impact on U.S. Foreign Relations
The ban is expected to strain diplomatic relations with affected countries, particularly Iran, Libya, and Venezuela. Some nations have already threatened retaliatory measures, including visa restrictions on U.S. citizens.
June 4, 2025, underscored the complexities of Trump’s leadership, blending national security concerns, immigration policy debates, and international diplomacy. It highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to navigate domestic and global challenges.