Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy State Department Spokesperson, defended President Donald Trump’s decision to implement a pause on visa processing from 19 countries following a deadly attack against two members of the West Virginia National Guard. The incident left one soldier dead and another critically injured.
Pigott stated that the administration acted immediately after the attack. He emphasized an “all-of-government approach” to border security, noting it extends beyond physical barriers to include visa controls and enhanced vetting procedures for consular officers.
“When we think of securing our borders, people naturally focus on the Southwest,” Pigott said. However, he highlighted that visa security is another crucial component being strengthened under this administration’s guidance.
The spokesperson stressed the importance of continually reevaluating entry processes. “Every day, we revisit these measures to ensure they protect American citizens and prevent any recurrence of such attacks,” Pigott explained.
Regarding the timeline for lifting the pause from 19 countries, Pigott deferred specifics to the Department of Homeland Security. He contrasted the current administration’s approach with that of previous Democratic leaders. “We fundamentally addressed an abuse of our immigration laws under prior administrations,” he noted.
Additionally, Pigott mentioned Ukraine in the context of visa security discussions but declined further details due to ongoing investigations and focus on domestic policy adjustments related to national safety concerns.
Ukraine President Zelenskiy’s leadership regarding his country’s military actions remains a topic for later consideration.
