With immigration and national security back in the spotlight, former President Donald Trump is charging forward with a sweeping new travel ban that’s already sparking outrage and applause in equal measure.
Just days after announcing it, Trump is standing firm on the policy, which blocks or limits access to the U.S. for citizens of 19 countries—most of which are from regions plagued by conflict or unstable governments.
Trump Stands His Ground: “We Want to Keep Bad People Out”
Speaking from the Oval Office next to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump didn’t hold back.
“It can’t come soon enough, frankly,” he said when asked about the timing of the ban.
He doubled down on the narrative that his administration is rooting out dangerous individuals, blaming the Biden administration for letting “thousands of murderers” into the country.
According to Trump, this isn’t just policy—it’s personal. “We want to keep bad people out of our country,” he said bluntly.
The Countries Affected and What the Ban Actually Does
The new order blocks full entry from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Another seven nations—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—face partial restrictions, mainly affecting immigrant and some non-immigrant visas.
The policy goes into effect on June 9, giving consular officials just days to implement major changes.
Egypt Gets a Pass—for Now
One eyebrow-raising detail? Egypt isn’t on the list, even though Trump himself brought up the Boulder terror attack allegedly carried out by an Egyptian national.
When pressed on this, Trump gave a diplomatic answer, saying Egypt “has things under control,” and hinted at a forthcoming review of their vetting process.
Critics aren’t buying it.
Many claim the omission shows political favoritism, especially considering Trump once called Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi “my favorite dictator.”
Political Pushback: “This Is Bigotry, Not Security”
Democrats and human rights advocates are already coming out swinging.
Rep. Adam Schiff called it “Trump’s reckless first-term travel ban all over again.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar, herself a Somali-American, slammed the policy as “racist” and “shameful,” warning it would only tear more families apart and isolate the U.S. further from the world.
For many, the echoes of Trump’s 2017 “Muslim Ban” are deafening—and disturbing.
Trump’s Legal Playbook Is Tighter This Time Around
Unlike his earlier bans, which were quickly dragged through court challenges, Trump’s team seems prepared this time.
The executive order is loaded with justifications, citing overstay rates, weak vetting systems, and failures in data-sharing by foreign governments.
For instance, it points to the Republic of Congo’s sky-high overstay rate of 29.63% for visitor visas as part of its rationale.
Exceptions Made—But Only for a Select Few
Not everyone from these countries is blocked.
The order makes room for exceptions, including athletes heading to the 2028 Olympics or World Cup, dual nationals, people with U.S. family ties, and some government employees or diplomats.
Afghans who helped the U.S. military or have Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) are also allowed, alongside adopted children and certain humanitarian cases.
Why Now? Trump Ties Timing to National Security and Political Pressure
Asked why the ban is being issued now, Trump gave a simple answer: “It can’t come soon enough.”
But timing suggests it’s more than just security.
The announcement came while Trump is fighting for GOP support for his immigration legislation—what he’s been calling his “big, beautiful bill.”
And with Elon Musk and others dominating headlines, Trump seems determined to control the narrative.
A Political Gamble with Global Implications
This travel ban doesn’t just impact thousands of potential travelers—it carries major political consequences, especially in states like Florida, where Cuban and Venezuelan communities play a crucial role in elections.
Some see it as a savvy political move.
Others, a dangerous repeat of history.
Final Word: What Comes Next?
Trump’s latest move shows he’s all-in on making immigration a centerpiece of his political strategy.
With court challenges likely looming and Democratic opposition already mounting, this travel ban could define a key battle line heading into the 2026 midterms and the broader fight over U.S. immigration policy.
Whether this holds up in court—or with voters—remains to be seen.