Fact Check: Elliott Duke Becomes First Denaturalized Citizen Under Trump's Aggressive New Policy
What We Know
On June 13, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the denaturalization of Elliott Duke, a former U.K. citizen and U.S. Army veteran, who was convicted of distributing child sexual abuse material. Duke had fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship by failing to disclose his criminal activities during the naturalization process. He had applied for citizenship in November 2012, claiming he had never committed any crimes other than a speeding ticket, despite having begun his criminal activities prior to his application (Justice Department). The case was part of a broader initiative by the Justice Department to prioritize denaturalization cases involving naturalized citizens who commit serious crimes (NPR).
Analysis
The claim that Elliott Duke is the first denaturalized citizen under Trump's new policy is substantiated by the timeline and details provided by the Justice Department. The denaturalization was explicitly linked to the aggressive enforcement policies initiated during the Trump administration, which aimed to strip citizenship from individuals who had lied on their naturalization applications. This initiative was highlighted in a memo from the DOJ, which emphasized the prioritization of denaturalization cases, particularly for those who had committed serious crimes (NPR).
The credibility of the sources is strong; the Justice Department is a primary governmental authority on immigration and citizenship matters, and their announcements are official and well-documented. NPR, as a reputable news organization, provides reliable reporting on government actions and policies, further corroborating the details of Duke's case and the broader context of denaturalization efforts under the Trump administration.
However, it is important to note that while Duke's case is significant, it is part of a larger trend rather than an isolated incident. The DOJ's focus on denaturalization has been a contentious issue, raising concerns about due process and the potential for abuse of power in stripping citizenship (NPR).
Conclusion
The claim that Elliott Duke is the first denaturalized citizen under Trump's aggressive new policy is True. The evidence supports that Duke was indeed the first to be denaturalized following the DOJ's renewed focus on denaturalization cases, particularly involving serious criminal offenses. The details of Duke's fraudulent naturalization and subsequent conviction for child pornography underscore the rationale behind the DOJ's actions, aligning with the broader policy shifts initiated during Trump's administration.
