The administration of former US President Donald Trump has barred two British citizens from entering the United States, accusing them of organising efforts to suppress American viewpoints they oppose.
Who Are the Banned Individuals?
In a directive issued on December 25, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio named five Europeans subject to the ban, stating their entry risked "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences." The banned Britons are Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), and Clare Melford, co-founder and executive director of the Global Disinformation Index (GDI).
Ahmed, a former Labour adviser who lives in Washington DC, is now suing the Trump administration over the decision. "My life’s work is to protect children from the dangers of unregulated social media and AI and fight the spread of antisemitism online," he stated. He added that his mission had "pitted me against big tech executives – and Elon Musk in particular." Ahmed revealed he was fighting to prevent his "unlawful deportation" from the US, where his wife and daughter are American citizens.
A spokesperson for Clare Melford's GDI strongly criticised the move: "The Trump administration is, once again, using the full weight of the federal government to intimidate, censor and silence voices they disagree with. Their actions today are immoral, unlawful and un-American."
Wider European Condemnation and Fallout
The ban also affects three other European figures: former European Commission tech regulator Thierry Breton, and German HateAid co-leaders Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon. Thierry Breton labelled the action a "witch hunt."
The European Commission issued a statement saying it "strongly condemns" the US decision and is seeking clarification from American authorities. It emphasised that "freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a shared core value with the United States." The Commission warned it would "respond swiftly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures" if needed.
Administration Justifies 'Speech Suppression' Claims
The Trump administration's written justification claims the five individuals organised efforts to "coerce" online platforms into censoring viewpoints they disliked. Under Secretary of State Sarah B Rogers indicated the list might expand, stating that while the current "targets" were foreign, some had "collaborated with US bureaucrats on Murthy-style speech suppression."
This move represents a significant escalation in the ongoing transatlantic debate over online content moderation, free speech, and the role of disinformation watchdog groups. The situation continues to develop, with legal challenges and diplomatic responses underway.
