New Bill Could Complicate Dual Citizenship for Melania and Barron Trump
A new political proposal has unexpectedly placed the citizenship status of the First Family under the spotlight.
What appears to be a routine legislative effort may have significant consequences for former First Lady Melania Trump and her son, Barron—both holders of dual U.S.–Slovenian citizenship. The move has sparked debate over whether the bill represents a broader push against dual nationality or an initiative with unusually high-profile implications.
A Bill With Far-Reaching Consequences
Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno has introduced the “Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025,” a measure that would require Americans with dual nationality to renounce any foreign citizenship and declare “exclusive allegiance” to the United States.
Moreno, who was born in Colombia and became a naturalized U.S. citizen at 18, presented the bill on December 1. Under the proposal:
Dual nationals would have one year to give up their foreign citizenship.
Those who do not comply would automatically lose their U.S. citizenship.
The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department would be responsible for identifying and monitoring dual citizens during the transition period.
“This is about honoring the oath to the United States,” Moreno said in a statement. “Being an American is a privilege, and it must be all or nothing.”
How It Could Affect the Former First Family
If enacted, the legislation would directly affect Melania Trump and 19-year-old Barron Trump, who are both U.S. and Slovenian citizens. They would be required to choose one nationality under the new law.
Melania Trump became a naturalized U.S. citizen on July 28, 2006.
Barron Trump, born March 20, 2006, is a U.S. citizen at birth through his father.
A Washington Post investigation previously reported that Melania obtained her green card through the EB-1 program, a visa category reserved for individuals with “extraordinary ability” or high international recognition.
Part of a Larger Nationality Debate
The Trump administration has historically challenged certain pathways to citizenship, including birthright citizenship—though those efforts are currently tied up in court. Moreno’s bill marks a different approach, aiming not at how citizenship is obtained, but at the legality of holding more than one nationality.
If passed, the law would affect millions of dual citizens across the country—not only prominent public figures.
Conclusion
The “Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025” elevates the national conversation around loyalty, citizenship, and identity. For Melania and Barron Trump, it could require a significant personal decision, but the legislation also carries broader implications for Americans with ties to more than one country. As debate continues, dual citizenship—long accepted in U.S. law—has suddenly become a focal point in a shifting political landscape.