State Department suggests revoking visas of those making light of Charlie Kirk's death
Share and Follow

WASHINGTON (KABC) — The Trump administration suggested Thursday it could revoke existing visas or deny them to applicants if they celebrated or made light of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted on X saying he’s directed consular officials to “undertake appropriate action.”

“I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light of the event, and have directed our consular officials to undertake appropriate action,” he wrote. “Please feel free to bring such comments by foreigners to my attention so that the @StateDept can protect the American people.”

A State Department spokesperson told ABC News that the Trump administration “does not believe that the United States should grant visas to persons whose presence in our country does not align with U.S. national security interests” when asked how it would implement the policy announced by Landau.

Under President Donald Trump, the State Department has ramped up what it calls “expanded screening and vetting” of many visa applicants’ social media accounts, requiring that they set their online profiles to public and inspecting their feeds for posts it finds anti-American or antisemitic.

Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that international students and other foreign nationals who were deemed to have demonstrated support for Hamas may have their visas revoked.

The State Department has utilized AI technology to review foreign nationals’ social media accounts for posts that run counter to the U.S.’ national security interests.

The administration has faced legal challenges over concerns for First Amendment protections and due process, but it has argued that visas are granted at the discretion of the State Department and that they are a privilege, not a right, for any foreign national.

ABC News contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
ICE arrests Karoline Leavitt's family member

ICE Detains Relative of Karoline Leavitt

A woman with familial connections to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt…
Charge against Melodee Buzzard’s mom dismissed, ankle monitor removed as FBI hunts for missing 9-year-old

Report: Missing Melodee Buzzard’s Mother Allegedly Confided in Man About Leaving Daughter with Strangers Met at Zoo

Ashlee Buzzard reportedly informed a man that she entrusted her missing 9-year-old…
Manhattan DA to retry Etan Patz's killer after conviction in deadly 1979 kidnapping was overturned

Manhattan DA Pursues New Trial in Overturned 1979 Etan Patz Kidnapping Case

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office revealed on Tuesday its plan to retry…
FILE - Visitors watch a sunset on rock ledge near Taft Point in Yosemite National Park, Calif., Oct. 30, 2025. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via AP, File)

US National Parks Increase Entry Fees for International Visitors

WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Park Service announced on Tuesday that starting…
St. John's Oziyah Sellers thriving from 3-point range after Rick Pitino challenge

Oziyah Sellers Shines from Beyond the Arc Following Rick Pitino’s Challenge at St. John’s

LAS VEGAS — Oziyah Sellers remembers his conversations with coach Rick Pitino…
FILE - District Attorney of Fulton County Fani Willis speaks to the Associated Press, Oct. 22, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

Georgia Election Case: New Prosecutor Drops Charges Against Trump and Others

ATLANTA — The newly appointed prosecutor for the Georgia election interference case…
Virginia high school football coach goes missing during team's undefeated season

Virginia High School Coach Under Scrutiny Amid Longstanding Allegations, Community Claims

Reports suggest that allegations against a Virginia high school football coach, who…
Ukraine war news today: Chicago-area Ukrainians hope Thanksgiving 2025 does not slow down Russia peace deal

Chicago’s Ukrainian Community Hopes Thanksgiving 2025 Won’t Impede Progress on Russia Peace Agreement

CHICAGO — As Russia continues to reject a revised peace initiative, many…