Can Trump Revoke Musk and Zohran's U.S. Citizenship? A Legal Assessment.

Can Trump revoke the citizenship of Elon Musk or Zohran Mamdani? Learn about U.S. laws on denaturalization, fraud, and political threats.

🗽 Is it possible for Trump to revoke the U.S. citizenship of Elon Musk and Zohran Mamdani?

🔰 Introduction

In the midst of America’s polarized political environment, former President Donald Trump has ignited a new controversy by proposing that two naturalized citizens—billionaire Elon Musk and NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani—might face the risk of losing their U.S. citizenship.

This blog examines the legal implications of denaturalization, delves into the history and immigration status of both individuals, and evaluates whether Trump’s assertion is legally viable or merely a form of political maneuvering.

🧾 Citizenship Background: Musk and Mamdani

🔹 Zohran Mamdani:

Born in Kampala, Uganda

Of Indian descent

Relocated to the U.S. at the age of 7

Achieved U.S. citizenship through naturalization in 2018

🔹 Elon Musk:

Born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1971

Mother: Canadian, Father: South African

Arrived in the U.S. in 1992 on a J-1 student visa

Obtained U.S. citizenship in 2002 after holding an H-1B work visa

⚖️ What Is Denaturalization?

Denaturalization refers to the legal procedure of revoking U.S. citizenship from an individual who obtained it through naturalization.

Legal justifications for denaturalization:

✅ At the time of application:

Fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of significant facts

Falsified documents or assumed identities

✅ After naturalization:

Engaging in acts of terrorism, treason, war crimes, or violations of human rights

Enlisting in a foreign military or government in an official capacity

Committing specific serious crimes that were not disclosed during the naturalization process

📌 Important: The U.S. government is required to demonstrate fraud or disqualification in federal court to annul an individual’s citizenship.

🧨 Why Is Zohran Mamdani Being Targeted?

Republican Congressman Andy Ogles from Tennessee has sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney General requesting an investigation into Zohran Mamdani’s naturalization.

He asserts:

“Zohran is an anti-Semite, a socialist, and a communist. He poses a threat to New York City and should be deported.”

Ogles’ Allegations Include:

Expressing support for leaders of the Holy Land Foundation (convicted for aiding Hamas)

Refusing to denounce the “Globalize the Intifada” slogan

Promising to obstruct ICE deportation raids if elected mayor

Potentially concealing political affiliations during his citizenship application

Mamdani’s Response:

“The President is threatening to arrest and deport me not for any crime—but for pledging to safeguard immigrants from fear in our city.”

🚀 What’s Behind Trump’s Fallout with Elon Musk?

Elon Musk and Donald Trump were previously allies. However, tensions emerged after Musk criticized Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which eliminates key EV tax incentives.

Trump reacted by posting on Truth Social:

“Without government subsidies, Elon may need to return to South Africa. No more rockets, no more Teslas—significant savings for America!”

Musk replied:

“I began my work in the U.S. legally under a J-1 visa, which later transitioned to an H-1B.”

This exchange has intensified to Trump suggesting a review of Musk’s immigration file through his newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DoGE), from which Musk has recently resigned.

📚 Legal Expert Analysis

Michael Kagan, a law professor at the University of Nevada, states:

“Denaturalization is exceedingly rare and is only pursued when there is substantial evidence of fraud during the application process. In the instances of Musk or Mamdani, there is no such evidence. This appears to be more of a political scare tactic than a legitimate legal action.”

The Justice Department confirmed in June 2024 that denaturalization is prioritized solely in cases of established fraud, terrorism, or serious criminal misconduct.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)❓

🔸 Can the President unilaterally revoke citizenship?

No. Only federal courts, through legal proceedings, have the authority to revoke naturalized citizenship.

🔸 Did Elon Musk work illegally in the U.S.?

Musk asserts that he possessed legal work authorization via J-1 and subsequently H-1B visas.

🔸 Has Mamdani been convicted of any crimes?

No. The accusations against him arise from his political views, rather than any legal infractions.

🔸 Can political ideology lead to denaturalization?

No. The U.S. Constitution safeguards freedom of speech and political beliefs.

🔍 Conclusion

The notion that Donald Trump could unilaterally revoke the U.S. citizenship of Elon Musk or Zohran Mamdani lacks legal foundation. Denaturalization is an uncommon occurrence and necessitates substantial evidence of fraud or criminal activity—not merely political dissent.

Most legal experts concur: these threats are more indicative of political intimidation than of any genuine legal procedure.