The Trump administration has announced a significant expansion of its travel ban, imposing restrictions that will affect individuals from 12 countries, primarily situated in Africa and the Middle East. The new order, which is set to go into effect on Monday, will bar entry to travelers from Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Additionally, the proclamation includes partial travel bans on several other nations, such as Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Justifying the move, President Trump stated that these restrictions are essential for ensuring national security.

This latest travel ban marks a continuation of Trump’s hardline approach on immigration, a policy that gained significant attention during his first term when he imposed several bans targeting Muslim-majority countries like Iran.

In related developments, President Trump commented on tensions between the United States and Russia, specifically addressing President Vladimir Putin’s intentions to retaliate against Ukraine following a recent drone attack. Trump mentioned a recent phone call with Putin, describing it as constructive but noted it wouldn't result in immediate peace, leaving unclear whether he had urged Putin to refrain from further aggression against Ukraine.

Amid these international dynamics, the administration is also contemplating measures that could affect funding and support for universities, which critics argue may bolster foreign competitors like China.