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Trump Says He Would ‘Absolutely’ Revoke Citizenship From Naturalized Criminals — If Granted the Authority

In a series of striking comments made aboard Air Force One on Sunday, former President Donald Trump signaled that his administration's newly announced freeze on asylum processing may extend far longer than initially suggested — and floated the possibility of revoking U.S. citizenship from naturalized immigrants with criminal records, if he has the legal authority to do so.

The remarks came just days after a tragic shooting near the White House involving two National Guard members, an incident that triggered a sudden halt in asylum decisions and visa processing for individuals traveling on Afghan passports.

“No Time Limit” on Asylum Freeze, Trump Says

While officials initially framed the asylum pause as a direct response to Wednesday’s deadly shooting, Trump hinted that it may evolve into a more sweeping, long-term policy shift.

“We have enough problems. We don’t want those people,” Trump told reporters, adding that there was “no time limit” on the moratorium.

He also linked the pause to stricter measures aimed at what he described as 19 “crime-ridden” countries, suggesting America must reevaluate who is allowed to enter — and who is allowed to remain.

Revoking Citizenship? Trump Says He Would Do It — If Allowed

Trump also addressed the question of whether he could strip citizenship from immigrants who have already been naturalized but are later convicted of crimes.

“We have criminals that came into our country and they were naturalized,” he said. “If I have the power to do it — I’m not sure that I do, but if I do — I would de-naturalize. Absolutely.”

The comments underline a more aggressive immigration stance, one that Trump acknowledged might stretch the limits of presidential authority. Still, he made clear that the idea is very much on the table.

“Reverse Migration”: Trump Defines His New Phrase

Trump also clarified his recent use of the term “reverse migration,” which sparked debate online.

According to him, the phrase refers to removing individuals already inside the United States who do not meet legal standards to remain.

“Get people out that are in our country — get them out of here,” he said.

The Shooting That Ignited the Policy Freeze

The policy shift followed a deadly shooting on Wednesday involving Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who is accused of opening fire on three members of the West Virginia National Guard.

The attack unfolded just blocks from the White House.

U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the incident.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition.

Both were in Washington, D.C., as part of Trump’s heightened federal anti-crime initiative, which involved deploying National Guard units and federalizing local police operations.

White House Invitations to the Families

Trump said he has already reached out to the families of both service members.

“I said, ‘When you’re ready… come to the White House. We’re going to honor Sarah,’” Trump shared. “And likewise with Andrew — recover or not.”

The emotional outreach highlights the gravity of the tragedy and the political weight it has now taken on.

Charges Against Lakanwal

Authorities have charged Lakanwal with:

• One count of first-degree murder

• Two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed

The case — already under intense national scrutiny — quickly became the catalyst for the administration’s sweeping freeze on asylum decisions and travel visas tied to Afghan passports.

A Policy Shift With Far-Reaching Impact

While many questions remain — including whether a president can lawfully revoke citizenship — Trump’s comments make one thing clear:

This moment could mark the start of a much broader immigration and security debate that goes far beyond the immediate aftermath of Wednesday’s tragedy.