Following the death of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, the Trump administration said it will take action against visitors to the U.S. who praise, rationalize or make light of the event on social media.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted on X on Sept. 11 that “foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” noting he has directed consular officials to “undertake appropriate action.”
For international students, that could mean canceled visas. Earlier this year, the State Department said it would screen international students’ social media accounts as part of the visa application process to identify students who “pose a threat to U.S. national security,” according to a June 18 statement. As part of this process, student visa applicants are required to make all social media profiles publicly accessible and the State Department employs AI technology to review the accounts.
Kirk was a controversial figure on college campuses for his work with Turning Point USA, a conservative social organization that has chapters across the country and publicized a “watch list” of professors, as well as his public debate forums. At some higher ed institutions, faculty, staff and students have faced repercussions for their comments about Kirk’s murder, which were quickly identified by right-wing social media accounts.
Landau encouraged X users to bring to his attention foreigners who made comments about Kirk’s death.
