President Donald Trump is reaching out to new American citizens in a heartfelt video message. In this video, he speaks directly to immigrants at their naturalization ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of American culture and the responsibilities that come with citizenship. The video will be shown at every naturalization ceremony across the country.
In his message, Trump tells new citizens, "Today you receive the greatest gift ever granted by human hands: you become a citizen of the United States of America." He welcomes them into the national family, highlighting that they now share a home and heritage with some of the most remarkable figures in history.
He also stresses the unique nature of the American way of life, urging new citizens to protect and defend it. "You have it like nobody’s had it before," he says, reminding them that with the honor of citizenship comes great responsibility. Trump outlines core American values such as hard work, equal opportunity, and the rule of law. He calls on new citizens to uphold these principles and to cherish their freedoms, including the rights to free speech and religious practice.
This message comes at a time when the path to permanent residency in the U.S. is becoming more challenging, making naturalization increasingly important for eligible immigrants. In 2024, over 800,000 people became naturalized citizens, a significant number amid stricter immigration policies.
Trump’s video marks a shift in how the administration views naturalized citizens. Rather than seeing them just as legal immigrants, he frames them as cultural guardians of American values. This perspective contrasts with that of President Joe Biden, who previously expressed gratitude to immigrants for their contributions to the country.
As the political landscape around immigration continues to evolve, this new video from Trump highlights his administration’s focus on traditional values and the significance of assimilation into American culture.