Barron and Melania Trump’s US citizenship explained as MAGA ally threatens their status
Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, who was born in Colombia, has proposed legislation that would end dual citizenship in the United States. His “Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025” would require individuals to choose one nationality, surrendering all others.
The bill states that a person cannot be a U.S. citizen while holding any foreign citizenship. It further dictates that any American who voluntarily acquires another citizenship after the law’s passage would be considered to have relinquished their U.S. status.
Moreno argues that American citizenship demands “exclusive allegiance” and is an “all or nothing” privilege. The proposal would task federal agencies with identifying dual nationals and giving them a one-year deadline to comply.
If enacted, this law would directly impact former First Lady Melania Trump and her son, Barron. Both hold dual U.S. and Slovenian citizenship, meaning they would be forced to choose between the two.
Melania Trump became a U.S. citizen in 2006. Barron, born earlier that same year, is a U.S. citizen by birthright due to his father’s status, despite his mother not being a citizen at the time of his birth.
The proposal aligns with broader efforts by some Republicans to curb birthright citizenship, though previous attempts have faced legal challenges. Moreno’s bill would automatically strip U.S. citizenship from anyone who misses the one-year deadline.
The legislation remains a proposal and would require Congressional approval to become law. Its introduction has sparked discussion about the implications for the millions of Americans who currently hold dual citizenship.
