Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jan 12: US President Donald Trump has ignited fresh controversy after stating that he would revoke the citizenship of naturalised Americans “without hesitation” if he believed they were dishonest or posed a danger to the country.
The remarks were made during a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times last week, the transcript of which was released on Sunday. The discussion, held in the Oval Office and lasting nearly two hours, covered immigration, national security, and the limits of citizenship rights.
When asked directly whether he would consider stripping naturalised citizens of their status, Trump responded affirmatively, saying that if someone deserved it, he would act immediately. He added that his administration was examining possible standards for such decisions, though he did not provide details. Trump rejected the idea that citizenship protections should be unconditional, arguing instead that loyalty and honesty should be key determinants.
During the interview, Trump repeatedly referenced Somali Americans while discussing immigration, describing Somalia in highly negative terms and alleging that immigrants from the country had caused significant problems in the US. When questioned on whether individuals of Somali origin were among those he would consider for citizenship revocation, Trump said he would do so if they were found to be dishonest.
Trump also targeted Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, asserting that she should be expelled from Congress and sent back to Somalia. When asked if she should lose her US citizenship, he responded unequivocally in the affirmative.
Reporters from The New York Times challenged several of Trump’s claims, including allegations related to Omar’s background, noting that they lacked supporting evidence. Trump dismissed those concerns and defended his stance.
Addressing criticism that his comments unfairly generalised entire communities, Trump said he was unconcerned, emphasising that he wanted only people who loved the country to live in the United States.
The president acknowledged that courts could potentially limit his actions but suggested his authority was expansive when it came to maintaining law and order. He reiterated that border security and public safety had been central to his election campaign.
Trump also floated the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, a move that would significantly broaden presidential power to deploy the military domestically, though he said he had not yet found it necessary.
His comments come at a time when his administration is embroiled in multiple legal disputes related to immigration enforcement, deportation policies, and civil rights, alongside ongoing debates over the constitutional boundaries of executive power.
Under existing US law, revoking citizenship is an uncommon measure and generally requires clear evidence of fraud during the naturalisation process, with the judiciary playing a decisive role.