Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday argued that reversing migration flows is necessary to resolve America’s internal challenges, following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., involving two West Virginia National Guard personnel. The attack, which took place near the White House, involved an Afghan national identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29. One of the injured personnel later succumbed to his wounds.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that the “only” solution to the current situation is a policy of “reverse migration.” He said the US would no longer tolerate foreign nationals who, in his words, “hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything America stands for.”
Lakanwal was reportedly brought to the United States under Operation Allies Welcome, a resettlement programme launched during the Biden administration following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Trump sharply criticised the vetting procedures used to admit evacuees under the initiative, claiming the suspect had “gone cuckoo… gone nuts,” and portraying the event as a result of flawed immigration oversight.
The President also claimed that an estimated 53 million foreign nationals are currently living in the country, including individuals from “failed nations” or with criminal and gang affiliations. He said this presence has contributed to what he described as widespread social breakdown within US communities.
As part of his response, Trump announced that his administration will conduct a comprehensive review of all Green Cards issued to immigrants originating from what he referred to as “countries of concern.” According to the President, the directive will apply not only to pending applications but also to future immigration requests.
Trump additionally shared an image showing Afghan evacuees packed inside a US military aircraft during the 2021 evacuation from Kabul, describing the operation as a “horrendous airlift” under the previous administration. His remarks were framed as an attempt to highlight what he views as the consequences of that resettlement effort.
The shooting has brought renewed political attention to America’s immigration system, border controls, and national security structures. Trump’s comments underscore a broader shift toward stricter immigration regulations and more aggressive deportation plans as his administration moves deeper into its term.
National security officials have indicated that further details about the suspect’s background will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the Biden-era programme that allowed Lakanwal into the country has once again become a focal point of partisan disagreement, with critics calling for accountability measures and supporters emphasizing humanitarian obligations toward wartime allies.
The White House has not yet issued a detailed response to Trump’s latest remarks. However, lawmakers from both parties are expected to debate the implications of the shooting in the coming weeks, especially as the nation approaches a highly charged political period ahead of the 2026 elections.
With immigration policy once again under intense scrutiny, the President’s comments are likely to shape the national conversation surrounding refugee intake, background checks, and the future of America’s longstanding immigration traditions.
