A Republican senator in the United States has introduced controversial legislation that would force American citizens to choose a single nationality, effectively ending the practice of dual citizenship. The proposed law, if enacted, could have direct implications for former First Lady Melania Trump and her son, Barron.
The Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025
On Monday, Senator Bernie Moreno, a Republican from Ohio, put forward the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025. In a press release, Moreno argued that American citizenship requires undivided loyalty. "It was an honor to pledge an Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America and ONLY to the United States of America!" stated Moreno, who was born in Colombia and became a U.S. citizen at age 18. "Being an American citizen is an honor and a privilege—and if you want to be an American, it’s all or nothing. It’s time to end dual citizenship for good."
The bill's central premise is to "establish that citizens of the United States must have sole and exclusive allegiance to the United States." Moreno contends that current laws permitting dual citizenship "create conflicts of interest." The legislation would grant Americans holding citizenship in another country a one-year grace period to make a choice. They would need to either submit formal renunciation of their foreign citizenship to the State Department or renounce their U.S. citizenship to the Department of Homeland Security.
Potential Impact on the Trump Family and Legal Hurdles
The bill has drawn immediate attention due to its potential impact on high-profile figures. According to Mary Jordan's biography, "The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story of Melania Trump," both Melania Trump and her son Barron hold dual U.S. and Slovenian citizenship. Jordan, speaking on C-SPAN’s "After Words" last year, suggested Melania maintained this status "to give her son options."
"If you have Slovenian citizenship, which Barron is entitled to, and the passport, that makes a lot of things easier," Jordan explained. "First of all, he can work freely in all of Europe much more easily."
However, the bill is expected to face significant legal and political pushback. A major obstacle is the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A 1967 Supreme Court case reinforced the principle that "a U.S. citizen cannot lose his or her citizenship unless he or she willingly surrenders it." Forcing a choice could be interpreted as a violation of this precedent. HuffPost has contacted both the White House and Senator Moreno's office for comment on the proposed legislation.
A Broader Debate on National Allegiance
Moreno's bill reignites a long-standing debate about identity and allegiance in an increasingly globalized world. Proponents of exclusive citizenship argue that divided loyalties can complicate national security, diplomatic relations, and civic duty. Critics, however, view dual citizenship as a right that recognizes complex family histories, cultural ties, and practical benefits in a global economy, without diminishing patriotism.
The introduction of the Exclusive Citizenship Act sets the stage for a contentious political discussion. While its path to becoming law is uncertain, it highlights evolving views on immigration and national identity in American politics. The connection to a former first family ensures the proposal will remain under intense public and media scrutiny as the debate unfolds.
