Trump Expands Travel Ban To 12 Countries Amid Democratic Criticism

President Donald Trump announced a new travel ban affecting citizens from 12 countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, and Haiti, with partial restrictions on seven additional nations. The ban revives and expands upon the controversial travel restrictions from his first term, which were widely criticized for their discriminatory nature and xenophobic undertones. Democrats, including Senators Adam Schiff and Chris Murphy as well as Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Don Beyer, have condemned the policy as reckless, discriminatory, and harmful to America's global standing. Critics argue the ban is a political distraction designed to divert public attention from Trump's unpopular tax and spending bill, which is projected to increase the national deficit and cause millions to lose health insurance. The bill, described by Murphy as benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the lower 40% of Americans, faces opposition from fiscal conservatives and has been labeled "super unpopular" by Democrats. Overall, the travel ban has reignited debates over national security, immigration policy, and the broader political strategy of the Trump administration.