A Springfield ‘publicity stunt'
Presented by
Good Thursday morning, Illinois. Enjoy the sunshine and our Playbook.
TOP TALKER
Kristi Noem created a firestorm in Springfield on Wednesday by invoking the name of Emma Shafer to criticize the Pritzker administration on the issue of immigration.
The attention-grabbing event backfired when the parents of Shafer, who was stabbed to death in her home, condemned the Department of Homeland Security secretary for advancing 'a cruel and heartless political agenda,' according to a statement sent via the governor's office.
Standing with Noem were Republican legislators, members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus and families of victims of crimes allegedly committed by noncitizens.
The point of the media event was to criticize Gov. JB Pritzker for following Illinois' sanctuary status law that limits local law enforcement's ability to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement officials. The law doesn't stop federal officials from doing their job.
'Where's the compassion for Emma who died on this street and her killer is still roaming free,' Noem said, criticizing that the suspect is still on the run for her murder.
'For two years, JB Pritzker has protected individuals like that so that he can stand up and say that he's a sanctuary city in a sanctuary state,' Noem said. Here's the video
Pritzker responded, calling Noem's visit a 'Trump-Noem publicity stunt,' according to a statement.
Noem's visit also drew scrutiny from Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, who wrote a letter to Noem requesting 'a full accounting' of her 'taxpayer funded travel' for the 26-minute media event. Here's her letter.
RELATED
Noem visit sets off a war of words with Illinois Democrats, illustrating the stark partisan divide over immigration, by the Tribune's Jeremy Gorner
New study suggests insuring immigrants in Illinois gives hospitals a financial lift: 'The findings come as Illinois lawmakers negotiate a budget that cuts health insurance for more than 30,000 people without legal status,' by WBEZ's Kristen Schorsch.
A Trump administration effort to deport immigrants to Libya would 'clearly violate' court order, judge says, by POLITICO's Myah Ward, Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein
THE BUZZ
MAYOR's BIG WIN: The Chicago City Council approved Mayor Brandon Johnson's 'Green Social Housing' plan, a $135 million effort to boost affordable housing construction through low-interest city loans.
The 30-18 vote marks one of Johnson's first major victories in accomplishing his progressive agenda — a talking point he will surely use in any future campaign event.
'At a time when federal funds for housing are uncertain, we continue to develop tools to make Chicago the safest and most affordable big city in America,' Johnson said in a statement after the vote.
The plan sets up a revolving loan fund to help developers build more affordable units, with loans repaid in three to five years. The city expects to create around 120 affordable units annually.
During the course of the debate about the plan, some Council members worried it doesn't go far enough or won't benefit underserved neighborhoods. Others raised concerns about oversight.
'Finance Committee Chair Pat Dowell (3rd) has been dead-set against mayor's plan because the financing structure — 70% of the units would be market rate and 30% would be affordable — means that the new housing would be built in 'affluent' neighborhoods — virtually bypassing, for at least a decade, 'marginalized' African-American communities that need the most help,' writes the Sun-Times' Fran Spielman.
Johnson will likely point to the plan as evidence he is delivering on his agenda, the Tribune's Jake Sheridan reports.
If you are Pat Dowell, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@politico.com
WHERE'S JB
No official public events
WHERE's BRANDON
At 7901 South Exchange Avenue at 10 a.m. for the Thrive Exchange topping off ceremony
Where's Toni
No official public events
Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a complaint? Email skapos@politico.com
BUSINESS OF POLITICS
— Congresswoman Lauren Underwood teased a potential run for Sen. Dick Durbin's seat: 'I don't have an answer today. ... I am certainly taking a look,' she said in a wide-ranging interview about immigration, Joe Biden and the 2024 election on CNN. The full interview is here.
— Rachel Ruttenberg is running for the 9th District Illinois state Senate now held by state Sen. Laura Fine, who is making a bid for Congress. Ruttenberg, the former deputy chief of staff on policy for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, is deputy committeeperson for the Evanston Democratic Party. 'Our state and our communities face real obstacles, unlike any we have seen in our country's history,' she said in a statement announcing her bid. 'We must work toward making our communities more affordable, strengthening our schools and healthcare systems, and protecting our constitutional and civil rights.'
— JB Pritzker, aka Coconutbigboy, is ready to be memed: 'The Illinois governor is subtly embracing his online persona as Genghis Khan,' by the Bulwark's Lauren Egan
THE STATEWIDES
— Illinois regains access to $77M in federal education funds following judge's order: 'Judge blocks Trump administration order cutting off access to pandemic relief money,' by Capitol News' Peter Hancock.
— Beyond the bus: A group of advocates, parents and community leaders have launched STEER (Student Transportation & Education Equity Roundtable), which is dedicated to ensuring school kids have transportation beyond traditional school buses to get to school. The group kicked off its effort in Illinois, which has seen bus-driver shortages, routes that have been cut and accessibility barriers, according to organizers. The group is supporting a pilot program being considered in Springfield that would allow school districts to partner with third-party transportation providers.
— Rideshare drivers from across the state gathered at the Howlett Secretary of State Building in Springfield on Wednesday to call on state lawmakers to support upcoming legislation that grants app-based drivers the right to collectively bargain under the union of their choice.
— Illinois fixing physician shortage by changing foreign-trained doctor licensing, by Illinois Policy's Chris Coffey
CHICAGO
— There's a move to allow CPS chief to lead without required license — which would allow mayor's chief of staff to serve in the role: 'If approved, the appointment would be a major shift in Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration and elicit strong reaction from critics of the mayor and his strongest ally, the Chicago Teachers Union,' by the Tribune's Nell Salzman and Alice Yin.
— Former CPS principal who admitted stealing $300K found dead ahead of sentencing, by the Sun-Times' Jon Seidel and Cindy Hernandez
— Amid budget tensions, Council members push to bring some sunshine to city spending: 'Other big city governments have robust watchdogs, paid for by taxpayers, to analyze city budgets and financial deals. The City Council's anemic office could use some brawn, some alderpeople argue,' by Illinois Answers Project's Alex Nitkin.
— APPOINTMENT: Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Francisco 'Frank' Velez to lead the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications, according to the mayor's office.
HIGHER-ED
— Congressional Republicans accused of political witch hunt in antisemitism hearing involving DePaul president: 'University president Robert Manuel faced three hours of heated questions, while a civil rights lawyer compared a Washington hearing Wednesday to a long-discredited anti-communism campaign from the Cold War era,' by WBEZ's Lisa Kurian Philip.
ANOTHER TAKE: DePaul president apologizes for antisemitism on campus at congressional hearing, by the Tribune's Ikram Mohamed
— Penny Pritzker is at the center of the fight over Harvard, by The Wall Street Journal
COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS
— Cook County housing authority facing potential multimillion-dollar budget shortfall as agencies brace for funding cuts: 'The agency attributes the shortfall to an increase in its voucher usage rate and rising rents, which eat into its limited dollars allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,' by the Tribune's Lizzie Kane.
— Incoming Hinsdale leader Greg Hart has good words about the village's leadership over the years, by Patch's David Giuliani
— New Lisle mayor shakes up village leadership with appointments, by the Daily Herald's Katlyn Smith
— Geneva mayor, council members take oaths of office, by Shaw Local's Brenda Schory
SPOTTED
— QUANTUM FUN: The Lincoln Forum hosted an event earlier this week on all things quantum including the story behind Gov. JB Pritzker placing his bets and muscle behind making Illinois a global destination for the industry. The panel was moderated by P33's Brad Henderson and panelists included Pritzker chief of staff Anne Caprara, Illinois quantum and microelectronics Park CEO Harley Johnson, Intersect Chief Quantum Officer Preeti Chalsani and DCEO director Kristin Richards. Some 250 people attended, including Lincoln Forum's Pat Brady and Tracy Slutzkin, SPAAN Tech's Smita Shah, Clayco's Michael Fassnacht, Civic Federation's Joe Ferguson, Amazon's Julian Federle, C-Strategies' Becky Carroll, Powers and Sons' Kelly Powers, PsiQuantum's Mo Green, Clayco's Lisa Dziekan, One Future Illinois' Jonathan Swain, Canadian Consulate's Cory Olishansky and Metro Edge's Craig Huffman.
Reader Digest
We asked what movies you know by heart.
Lissa Druss: 'Airplane.'
Marty Green: 'Lots of good leadership quotes in 'Patton,' including 'I don't like paying for the same real estate twice.''
Lucas Hawley: 'The Big Lebowski.' Favorite line: 'You know man, that is just like your opinion!'
Mark Heffington: 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?'
Bob Kieckhefer: 'National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation.' Favorite line: 'This bread puddin' is extra runny tonight!' by Cousin Eddie.
Shayna Jaskolka: 'Wicked.'
Charles Keller: 'Idiocracy.'
Kevin Lampe: 'The Candidate.'
Russell Lissau: 'Rounders.'
Jim Lyons: 'Slap Shot.'
Kathy Posner: 'The Jerk' with Steve Martin. Favorite line: 'The new phone book's here. The new phone book's here! I'm somebody now!'
Timothy Powell: 'I can quote the entire script for Woody Allen's 'What's Up, Tiger Lily?''
Bill Roberts: ''The Godfather' including the line, 'leave the gun, take the cannoli.''
Mike Stephenson: 'Caddyshack.'
Alison Pure-Slovin: 'Princess Bride.'
Peter Skosey: ''Shrek,' from watching with my daughter over 20 years ago.'
Timothy Thomas: ''Julius Caesar' (1953 version with Marlon Brando) and Scarface (Al Pacino version).'
Peggy Tolleson: ''The Wizard of Oz.' There truly is no place like home!'
Judith Weinstein: 'Elf.'
Corrine Ann Williams: 'Titanic.' Notable line: 'You jump. I jump. Right?'
Brent Zhorne: 'The Blues Brothers. Only seen the movie about 350 times.' Favorite lines: 'Are you the police? No ma'am. We're musicians.'
NEXT QUESTION: If you had to run for office, what would your totally unserious campaign slogan be?
THE NATIONAL TAKE
— Trump says 'full and comprehensive' U.K. trade deal coming Thursday, by POLITICO's Matt Honeycombe-Foster
— Republicans miffed with Trump's threats to ignore funding, by POLITICO's Jennifer Scholtes and Katherine Tully-McManus
TRANSITIONS
— Adam Chilton has been appointed dean of the University of Chicago Law School effective July 1. He is the Howard G. Krane professor of law and the Walter Mander research scholar at the university's law school, according to the announcement.
— Ray Hanania is retiring this week from the town of Cicero, where he's served as spokesman for the past 15 years. Bianca Yarborough is now communications director.
— Richard Kienzler has rejoined the Littler law firm as a shareholder attorney in its Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets Practice Group in Chicago. He was general counsel at RHM Staffing Solutions but before that worked at Littler.
EVENTS
— May 20: One Aim Illinois is bringing together advocates, survivors and community leaders in Springfield to advocate for gun-violence prevention legislation. Advocacy Day sign-up here
— May 20: The Wally's Caucus is hosting a happy hour at Boones. The group is composed of anyone who likes the super-sized convenience store and gas station in Pontiac, and the event is sponsored by the Illinois Fuel & Retail Association. Details here
TRIVIA
WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Abdon Pallasch for correctly answering that Ernest Hemingway was born in the Oak Park neighborhood of Cicero Township, which later became the Village of Oak Park, allowing both towns the right to claim him.
TODAY's QUESTION: When did the U.S. Population Center jump the Mississippi from Illinois to Missouri? Email skapos@politico.com
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Ald. Bill Conway, former state Sen. Heather Steans, former state Rep. Roger Eddy, Brookings Institution senior fellow MarySue Barrett, University of Chicago Associate VP of comms Jeremy Manier and restaurateur Ron Onesti
-30-
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
11 minutes ago
- Forbes
Is Donald Trump An Authentic Leader?
On the performative nature of authenticity, and why Trump exposes the paradoxical and unscientific meaning of the term. In a world obsessed with personal branding, real and deep fake influencers, and AI-fueled persuasion, 'authenticity' seems more valuable than ever, as the distinction between what's real and what isn't transcends everything and everyone. We no longer expect our leaders to be merely competent — a trait that, inconveniently, remains hard for most voters to identify. We want them to be 'real,' too, though no one can quite agree on what that entails in an era where even authenticity can be performative. From viral LinkedIn mantras to inspirational TED Talks, authenticity is praised as the antidote to crooked leaders, political doublespeak, and robotic managerialism, not to mention phony politicians. Indeed, research suggests that people rate 'authentic leaders' as more trustworthy, relatable, and morally grounded. And yet, despite its near-universal appeal, authenticity remains vague and elusive as a concept. We want, admire, demand it — but few can define it, especially in a sensible or cogent way, and even fewer appear to know how we would go about measuring it, at least with some degree of precision or objectivity. In the leadership literature, authenticity is generally associated with transparency, consistency, and self-awareness. In line, leaders who are seen as authentic inspire greater followership, because they appear more predictable and less manipulative. Employees trust them more, and citizens are more likely to forgive their mistakes. Consider why figures like Nelson Mandela or Angela Merkel continue to command admiration — not merely for their achievements, but for the perceived harmony between what they believed, said, and did. They were not just competent, but coherent. Conversely, politicians who appear to shapeshift with every poll are penalized — not always for their views, but for the whiff of inauthenticity. Voters would rather support someone they disagree with than someone they suspect of pandering. Indeed, perceptions of authenticity are less about ideological alignment and more about emotional resonance. People tend to see those they like as authentic — and label those they dislike as fake. Unsurprisingly, Trump supporters view him as the embodiment of authenticity, just as Obama's admirers did with him. Ask their detractors, however, and the verdict flips. In a way, the real litmus test of authenticity is whether even your critics concede that you are 'the real deal.' On that front, Trump may score higher than Obama, unless you deny the possibility that more authentic doesn't always equate to more effective… Therein lies the philosophical catch: authenticity, for all its cultural currency, is not a fixed trait. It is an attribution — something we project onto others. We can't scan a person's soul (Neuralink hasn't cracked that yet) to verify the alignment between their inner essence and their outer behavior. In truth, we struggle to verify even our own. As neuroscientist David Eagleman put it, 'The conscious mind is like a broom closet in the mansion of the brain.' Much of what drives us is hidden from ourselves, let alone others. What feels authentic might just be a well-rehearsed act — one we've repeated so often, we've come to believe it ourselves (which, admittedly, sounds great, except for the fact that the most brutal dictators in history were pretty good at it). That's why psychologists argue authenticity is socially constructed. It's not some universal signal — it's context-dependent. A CEO crying in a board meeting might be praised for vulnerability in Silicon Valley, and ridiculed as unfit in Frankfurt. Compare Obama's curated 'cool dad' persona with Merkel's austere pragmatism: both were labeled authentic, but by very different cultural standards. In the end, we judge authenticity not by some Platonic essence of the self, but by how well someone's performance matches our expectations of who they ought to be. Which brings us, inevitably, to Trump. The question is not whether he is authentic — we can't ever truly know — but why he seems authentic to so many. Trump checks all the cultural boxes of 'realness': he's blunt, unfiltered, often incoherent (even when not spontaneously so), and defiantly unrehearsed. He rants on social media at ungodly hours and insults opponents with the fervor of a WWE heel. These are not behaviors traditionally associated with leadership—but to many, that's the point. His refusal to play by the rules of political etiquette is precisely what makes him persuasive. Unlike the focus-grouped politician who triangulates every utterance, Trump performs spontaneity. And for a certain kind of voter, that performance is more persuasive than policy. So how do we assess authenticity more analytically? As I illustrate in my forthcoming book, we can determine this by examining Trump vis-à-vis the four mainstream tenets or mantras for examining authenticity in others (not just leaders), namely: (1) always be honest with yourself and others; (2) always be true to your values, no matter what; (3) don't worry about what people think of you; and (4) bring your whole self to work. 1. Is Trump brutally honest with himself and others? Trump is certainly honest with others — at least in the sense that he says what he thinks. Whether those thoughts are factually accurate is another matter entirely. Although there's little evidence of self-reflection or self-critique, we simply don't know whether his statements are improvised or calculated, even when they seem spontaneous. Furthermore, there's no way to know whether he truly believes some of the over-the-top comments he makes, for instance on his own capabilities. When he tells us that he is 'a very stable genius', does he truly believe it? It would be easier to prove or disprove whether such statements are factually correct than whether he actually believes them himself. Evolutionary psychology shows that truly believing such statements even when they are not factually correct (what psychologists refer to as self-deception) is rather common in humans because it helps us display convincing signs of confidence and be regarded as competent. In other words, the best way to fool others is to fool yourself first. This introduces an interesting paradox: your likelihood of being perceived as authentic increases when you are not honest with yourself. By the same token, if you are honest with yourself, and therefore aware of your limitations, you may not be perceived as confident and therefore competent! In this way, Trump's self-deception may be a powerful tool to come across as genuine and competent – people are more likely to believe you are a stable genius if they see that you truly believe it yourself when you make such statements. 2. Is Trump uncompromisingly true to his values? Trump's values are difficult to pin down ideologically, but he is consistent in tone and temperament. He prizes dominance, loyalty, and personal success — values that appear deeply ingrained across decades of business and political life. He doesn't pivot or play nice to broaden appeal. That may limit his coalition, but it boosts the perception that he 'sticks to his guns.' Also, his decisions seem consistently optimized to enhance self-interest (either at national, party, or individual level), and despite his self-presentation as master deal maker he seems quite transparent in the goals and outcomes he pursues. To be sure, those who don't share his values will not accept that he is acting authentically by 'following his values no matter what'. This is an important reminder of the fact that value-centricity is not inherently beneficial or effective in leaders: what matters is what your values are, whether they are shared by others, and how they impact others (not just your voters, but society at large). In fact, history is replete with examples of leaders who were clearly true to their values, and impressively executed against them, but without having much in the form of positive effects (and often many negative effects) on their followers. 3. Is Trump unbothered by what people think of him? This one seems tailor-made for Trump. He thrives on attention but is often indifferent — when not hostile — to criticism. Most politicians spin, apologize, or moderate. Trump doubles down. Whether it's calling opponents nicknames, attacking journalists, or airing grievances, he seems genuinely unconcerned with being liked by everyone. In the authenticity game, that's a powerful signal: he performs as someone who is beyond calculation. To be sure, breaking prosocial etiquette norms does not make you authentic, just like being controversial doesn't make you right. Still, given that overt and aggressive confrontation tends to be uncharacteristic in a typical politician (and even someone with traditional political skills), it can make you seem authentic regardless of whether this is a calculated self-presentational strategy. It's like being a social media troll: you offend, and some people will celebrate your radical candor! That said, this disregard for what people think of you is also emblematic of a narcissistic personality, whether in its clinical or sub-clinical (highly functioning) form. Research on vulnerable narcissism suggests that those who lash out or seem impervious to criticism may in fact be protecting a fragile ego—especially when rejection threatens their self-image. Trump's combative and adversarial style, far from indicating thick skin, may signal the opposite: a compulsive need to dominate the narrative to avoid feeling diminished. As a result, what looks like radical candor may actually be a meticulously constructed performance of invulnerability. 4. Does Trump bring his whole self to work? Unquestionably. Trump does not compartmentalize. The same persona that tweets 'covfefe' at midnight is the one addressing (and trying to dismantle) the UN General Assembly. His speeches, interviews, and online posts share the same syntax, cadences, and vocabulary. His business brand, political identity, and personal life blur into one. That's the very definition of bringing your whole self to work—for better or worse. In fact, applying one of the most common scientific and popular criteria for defining authenticity, namely consistency between what leaders say and do, there's no question that with Trump (at least his current iteration) what you see is what you get – after nearly 150 days of presidency, he has enacted most of his intended plans and promises. To be sure, unlike Melania, who also has access to the private or personal version of the president, we will never know whether the home version of Trump is radically different from his professional self, which is the norm with most leaders (and people). Conclusion: More Authentic, Less Effective? So, is Trump an authentic leader? From the perspective of public perception, probably yes — at least to those who admire him. Even many critics concede that his rawness makes him 'real.' He stands out precisely because he does not seem like a conventional politician. But here's the irony: the very traits that enhance his reputation for authenticity—lack of filter, abrasiveness, impulsivity — also limit his effectiveness as a leader, particularly in contexts that require diplomacy, coalition-building, and emotional intelligence. Indeed, if you were tasked with coaching Trump, the likely strategy would be to curb his most 'authentic' impulses: inject some tact, broaden his emotional bandwidth, tone down the narcissism, and embrace more perspective-taking. That might make him more effective — but also less 'himself.' Such is the paradox of authenticity in leadership: being too true to yourself can inhibit your leadership talents. Ultimately, the case of Donald Trump reminds us that authenticity is not an unqualified virtue. Like most traits, it is only beneficial in moderation and context. What followers experience as authenticity may simply be a refusal to conform. But in politics — as in life —there's a fine line between being genuine and being a jerk. The best leaders know how to walk that line without losing either their compass or their followers. In other words, they are clear about where their right to be themselves ends, and their obligation to others begins. Importantly, while people seem to genuinely love the concept of 'authenticity' (not just in leaders, but humans in general), we would do well to acknowledge that, alas, there is just no objective way to quantify how authentic someone is, or whether someone is acting in an authentic way or not. Rather, authenticity is retrofitted to affection: we tend to deem people authentic if we like them, and fake if we don't. In politics, this creates a curious paradox. Donald Trump is hailed as the very embodiment of authenticity — by his supporters. So too is Barack Obama — by his own. But ask the other side, and the verdict flips. Same goes for charisma: it is an attribution we make about people we like and admire, because they seem better able to influence and persuade us, because we share their beliefs, values, and personal attributes, to the point of embodying a part of who we are or want to be. In that sense, Freud was onto something when we noted that our connection with leaders is in itself narcissistic: we love people who represent who we are, and when they are also leaders who appear to love us, our love is a subliminal and socially legitimate way of loving ourselves. In the end, authenticity may be less a moral virtue than a psychological illusion —comforting, relatable, and occasionally dangerous. We crave it in leaders because it reassures us that someone, somewhere, is being 'real' in a world that often feels fake. But the paradox is hard to escape: the more someone tries to prove their authenticity, the less authentic they seem. Perhaps the lesson is this: in leadership, as in life, being true to yourself only matters if your 'self' is worth following.
Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Reporter Gets Hit By Rubber Bullet At L.A. Protest, Sparking Shock Allegation
A journalist covering the protests in Los Angeles was blasted by a rubber bullet during her report, prompting allegations that she was purposely targeted by an LAPD officer. (Watch the video below.) As demonstrations against the Trump administration's ICE raids and deployment of the National Guard intensified, 9 News Australia reporter Lauren Tomasi said, 'This situation has now rapidly deteriorated. The LAPD moving in on horseback firing rubber bullets at protesters, moving them on through the heart of L.A.' She is then hit by an apparent rubber bullet in the leg, screaming 'whaa!' as he jumps in pain. Video showed an officer taking aim in her direction, and Australian politicians alleged the attack was deliberate. 'The first thing he [Prime Minister Anthony Albanese] must tell [President Donald Trump] is to stop shooting at our journalists,' Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said, per the Guardian. 'Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of a strong, functioning democracy.' Senator Matt Canavan told the outlet 'it looks like there was a targeting there' but didn't want to jump to conclusions. U.S. Correspondent Lauren Tomasi has been caught in the crossfire as the LAPD fired rubber bullets at protesters in the heart of Los Angeles. #9NewsLATEST: — 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) June 9, 2025 Reporting that Tomasi was indeed struck by a rubber bullet, News 9 said in a statement to the Daily Beast: 'Lauren and her camera operator are safe and will continue their essential work covering these events. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face while reporting from the frontlines of protests, underscoring the importance of their role in providing vital information.' The LAPD told the Daily Beast it was not aware of the incident. The BBC reported that British photographer Nick Stern sustained a leg wound from a rubber bullet amid the protests. He required emergency surgery to remove the projectile. Protests Intensify In Los Angeles After Trump Deploys Hundreds Of National Guard Troops Republicans Offer Cowardly Lack Of Pushback To Hegseth Suggesting Marines Could Quell Protests National Guard Troops Ordered To Los Angeles By Trump Find Quiet Streets And Few Protests
Business Insider
14 minutes ago
- Business Insider
Travel ban: 10 exceptions that allow citizens from restricted countries to enter the U.S.
Some select groups of people from the 12 countries affected by President Trump's travel ban may still be allowed entry into the United States. President Trump's travel ban affects citizens from 12 countries, imposing restrictions due to national security concerns. Certain exceptions allow entry based on humanitarian grounds, national interest, or specific visa classifications. Critics argue the travel restrictions disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and strain international relations. Despite the travel ban in place, there are specific exceptions that allow citizens from the affected or restricted countries to enter the United States. These exceptions are typically based on humanitarian grounds, national interest, or specific visa classifications and are designed to accommodate urgent or essential travel needs that align with U.S. policy considerations. The travel ban which takes effect from today, bars nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen from entering the U.S. Additionally, nationals from seven other countries - Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, face partial travel restrictions. The U.S. government justifies these measures on national security grounds, citing concerns over terrorism, insufficient passport controls, and high visa overstay rates in the affected countries. However, exceptions exist that allow certain individuals from these nations to enter the U.S. These exemptions reflect the government's recognition of humanitarian, diplomatic, and strategic factors that require flexibility beyond the broad restrictions. Here are 10 exceptions to Trump's travel restrictions According to the BBC, the travel restrictions do not apply to specific categories of individuals, as detailed in the list below. "Lawful permanent" US residents Their immediate family members who hold immigrant visas US government employees with Special Immigrant Visas Adoptions Dual nationals when the individual is not travelling on a passport from one of the affected countries Afghan nationals holding Special Immigrant Visas Holders of "immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran" Foreign nationals travelling with certain non-immigrant visas Athletes, their teams (including coaches and supporting staff), and their immediate family when travelling for major sporting events, such as the men's football World Cup in 2026 and the Summer 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles In addition, the US Secretary of State may grant exemptions to individuals on a "case-by-case" basis, if "the individual would serve a United States national interest". Trump's travel restrictions criticized President Trump's travel restrictions have sparked widespread criticism both internationally and domestically. Numerous countries and organizations have voiced dissent, arguing that the ban unfairly targets certain nations and exacerbates existing geopolitical tensions. The African Union was among the first to publicly condemn the policy, urging the United States to engage in meaningful dialogue with the affected countries rather than impose broad restrictions. The group emphasized that cooperation and diplomatic engagement would better address security concerns without harming innocent civilians. In a notable response, the President of Mali took retaliatory measures by limiting visa issuance to U.S. citizens hoping to travel to Mali.
