German Journalist Loses US Visa Following Statement About Charlie Kirk
WASHINGTON D.C. – ZDF journalist Elmar Theveßen has had his US visa revoked following a statement he made regarding conservative activist Charlie Kirk, according to reports surfacing October 15, 2025. The decision, confirmed by both Theveßen and ZDF, raises concerns about press freedom and the potential for political repercussions impacting foreign journalists operating within the United States.
The visa revocation stems from a statement Theveßen made during a ZDF broadcast concerning Kirk,which Kirk deemed defamatory. Following significant backlash and a formal complaint, Theveßen publicly acknowledged errors in his reporting and issued an apology on October 14, 2025. despite the retraction and apology, US authorities subsequently informed Theveßen his visa was no longer valid.This incident occurs amid heightened political tensions in the lead-up to the 2024 US presidential election and increasing scrutiny of media coverage surrounding prominent political figures.
Theveßen, a veteran foreign correspondent, had been reporting from the US for ZDF, a major German public broadcaster. The exact details of the statement that triggered the visa revocation have not been fully disclosed, but reports indicate it related to Kirk’s activities on US university campuses. Kirk,a prominent figure in conservative circles,founded Turning point USA,an organization that advocates for free markets and limited government,and frequently engages with college students.
ZDF has expressed its dismay over the decision, stating it stands by theveßen and views the visa revocation as a serious infringement on journalistic freedom. The network is currently exploring legal options and seeking clarification from US authorities regarding the rationale behind the decision. The incident is likely to fuel debate about the boundaries of journalistic scrutiny and the potential for visa restrictions to be used as a tool to silence critical reporting.
