On May 28, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy aimed at foreign officials and individuals deemed responsible for censoring Americans’ online speech. Rubio emphasized that free speech is a fundamental American right and asserted that foreign governments have no authority to infringe upon it. The policy targets foreign nationals who have fined, harassed, or charged U.S. citizens for their online expressions and those who pressure U.S. tech companies to implement global content moderation policies affecting American users.
Rubio specifically called out European nations for their role in undermining Americans’ speech rights. He stated, “Whether in Latin America, Europe, or elsewhere, the days of passive treatment for those who work to undermine the rights of Americans are over.” This move aligns with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to push back against international censorship, particularly from European allies. Critics have raised concerns about the policy’s broad legal foundation and its potential implications for platforms moderating extremist content.
This policy marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, reflecting a more aggressive stance on protecting free speech and holding foreign officials accountable for actions perceived as infringing upon American rights.
