Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that the U.S. will impose visa restrictions on foreign officials involved in censoring Americans’ online speech.
Rubio, in a statement, describes the freedom of speech as one of the "most cherished" rights of the American people and targets foreign nationals seeking to restrict or outright deprive citizens of the United States of that right.
The new policy aims to counter what Rubio describes as "flagrant censorship actions" by foreign governments against U.S. citizens and companies, targeting those who would pressure U.S. tech platforms to suppress free speech.
"Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy that will apply to foreign nationals who are responsible for censorship of protected expression in the United States," Rubio declared. "It is unacceptable for foreign officials to issue or threaten arrest warrants on U.S. citizens or U.S. residents for social media posts on American platforms while physically present on U.S. soil."
The Secretary of State also objects to foreign officials demanding that social media platforms adopt global rules that would infringe on American rights. Rubio further expanded on these actions in a post on X.
“For too long, Americans have been fined, harassed, and even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their free speech rights,” Rubio wrote on X. "Free speech is essential to the American way of life — a birthright over which foreign governments have no authority.”
He added, "Foreigners who work to undermine the rights of Americans should not enjoy the privilege of traveling to our country."
For too long, Americans have been fined, harassed, and even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their free speech rights.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 28, 2025
Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy that will apply to foreign officials and persons who are complicit in censoring Americans.…
RELATED: JD Vance Triggers Munich Security Conference, Rips European Hypocrites to Their Faces
The Trump administration has urged foreign countries, particularly in Europe, to curb efforts to restrict free speech.
Less than one month into the new administration, Vice President JD Vance delivered a fiery speech at the Munich Security Conference, criticizing European leaders for their hypocrisy in restricting free speech and undermining democracy.
He highlighted specific instances, such as the UK convicting a man for silently praying outside an abortion clinic (an eerily similar crime under President Joe Biden), to underscore Europe’s threats against fundamental American liberties.
Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference:
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 14, 2025
"In Washington, there's a new sheriff in town."
"Just as the Biden administration seemed desperate to silence people for speaking their minds, the Trump administration will do precisely the opposite. And I hope that we… pic.twitter.com/XZZZ9on6o1
"Just as the Biden administration seemed desperate to silence people for speaking their minds, so the Trump administration will do precisely the opposite, and I hope that we can work together on that," Vance said to a surprised audience.
"In Washington, there is a new sheriff in town, and under Donald Trump's leadership, we may disagree with your views, but we will fight to defend your right to offer it in the public square."
Rubio continued the theme of a new sheriff in town Wednesday.
“Whether in Latin America, Europe, or elsewhere, the days of passive treatment for those who work to undermine the rights of Americans are over," he said in a separate X post.
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