Trump tells new citizens to preserve American culture in ceremony video
President Donald Trump has a strong message for immigrants at their naturalization ceremony – American culture is now “yours to preserve.” In a new video obtained by Fox News Digital, the former president welcomes new citizens to the United States and emphasizes the importance of upholding traditional values.
“Today you receive the greatest gift ever granted by human hands: you become a citizen of the United States of America,” Trump says in the video, which will be played at every naturalization ceremony nationwide. “I welcome you into our national family. No matter where you come from, you now share a home and a heritage with some of the most exceptional heroes, legends, and patriots to ever walk the face of the Earth.”
Trump goes on to highlight the unique aspects of American society, calling on new citizens to fiercely guard and defend the American way of life. He stresses the importance of hard work, a merit system, equality of opportunity, self-government, the rule of law, liberty, and God-given rights such as free speech, freedom of religion, and the right to bear arms.
“In this country, we believe in hard work, a merit system, and equality of opportunity. We believe in self-government and the fair, equal, and impartial rule of law. And we cherish our liberty and our God-given rights to free speech, the free exercise of religion, and the right to keep and bear arms,” Trump says. “This special American culture is now yours to preserve. Your freedoms are now yours to protect.”
The message comes at a time when naturalization is becoming increasingly important as legal pathways to permanent residence in the United States are narrowing. In 2024, over 800,000 people became naturalized U.S. citizens, highlighting the significance of the process in the current immigration landscape.
Trump’s policies have focused on enhanced border enforcement, increased deportations, and stricter scrutiny on asylum claims, signaling a return to many of the immigration approaches from his first term. ICE raids in Los Angeles over the weekend sparked protests and violence, underscoring the contentious nature of immigration policy in the country.
The new video signifies a departure from the approach taken by the Biden administration, which has emphasized the cultural stewardship role of naturalized citizens. While President Joe Biden has thanked immigrants for choosing America and praised their courage in making the journey to the country, Trump’s message underscores the importance of assimilating to American culture.
As the debate over immigration policy continues to evolve, the voices of both Trump and Biden reflect differing perspectives on the role of immigrants in American society. Ultimately, the message to new citizens is clear – American culture is a precious gift to be protected and preserved for generations to come.
