US Revokes Visa of Nobel Laureate Oscar Arias Following Criticism of Trump

Oscar Arias, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has reported the revocation of his U.S. visa, which he suspects may be linked to his critique of Donald Trump's leadership style and the diplomatic ties he established with China during his presidency.

In a surprising move, Oscar Arias, the ex-president of Costa Rica and a notable Nobel laureate, has announced the cancellation of his U.S. visa. The 84-year-old, recognized for his efforts in fostering peace in Central America, disclosed that the decision came shortly after he publicly criticized Donald Trump, likening the President’s conduct to that of a Roman emperor.

Arias received a brief email notification regarding the visa revocation, which he described as "terse" and lacking explanations. While he is unsure of the exact rationale behind the decision, he suggested that it might stem from his diplomatic efforts with China during his term from 2006 to 2010.

At a news conference in San José, Arias remarked that he had “no idea” why his visa was revoked, noting that he believed the State Department, rather than President Trump personally, was behind the action. He also hinted at his historical move to replace Taiwan with China as another possible factor.

This occurrence is not an isolated incident; it follows a pattern wherein several Costa Rican politicians who have opposed President Rodrigo Chaves’s steps to diminish Chinese corporate involvement in Costa Rica's 5G infrastructure also find themselves facing visa issues.

Arias criticized the current administration’s closeness to the U.S., and highlighted the longstanding tensions that arise when small nations confront the demands of superpowers. As relations between the U.S. and Central America continue to evolve, this visa cancellation serves as a reminder of the intricate diplomatic dance at play within the region.