Fact Check: "The Trump administration is considering adding up to 36 more countries to the list of nations facing travel bans to the U.S., as stated in a State Department memo obtained by NPR."
What We Know
The claim that the Trump administration is considering adding up to 36 more countries to the travel ban list is substantiated by a memo obtained by NPR. This memo indicates that the administration is contemplating a significant expansion of its travel restrictions, which would nearly triple the number of countries currently affected. As of June 2025, there were already 12 countries under full or partial travel bans, and the memo outlines that 36 additional nations have been identified as having "deficient vetting and screening information" that could warrant similar restrictions (NPR, Washington Post).
The countries mentioned in the memo include Angola, Egypt, and several others from Africa, Central Asia, and the Caribbean. The memo specifies that these nations have issues such as unreliable identity documents, high rates of visa overstays, and concerns related to terrorism (NPR, Reuters).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible news sources, including NPR and The Washington Post, which have both reported on the internal memo from the State Department. The memo was signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and outlines specific benchmarks that the identified countries must meet within a 60-day period to avoid potential travel bans (NPR, Washington Post).
The reliability of these sources is high, as both NPR and The Washington Post are well-established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. However, it is important to note that the information is based on an internal memo, which means it reflects the administration's considerations rather than final decisions.
Critics of the Trump administration's travel bans argue that such measures are often racially and religiously discriminatory, particularly targeting Muslim-majority countries and nations from Africa (NPR, Reuters). This context is important for understanding the broader implications of the administration's actions.
Conclusion
The claim that the Trump administration is considering adding up to 36 more countries to the travel ban list is True. The evidence from credible sources confirms that a memo detailing this consideration exists and outlines specific criteria that these countries must meet to avoid being added to the travel ban list. The administration's focus on national security concerns, while controversial, aligns with the information presented in the memo.
