I predicted mass visa revocations by Trump — Soyinka
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka had predicted that Donald Trump's presidency would lead to mass revocation of visas and green cards. In a recent interview, Soyinka revealed that he had anticipated Trump's actions, saying "the first thing he will do is cancel even the green cards." Soyinka's visa was recently revoked by the US Embassy, with a letter dated October 23, 2025, requesting him to return the visa for physical cancellation.Soyinka, a vocal critic of Trump, had destroyed his US Green Card in 2016 after Trump's election, citing a "horror of what is to come." He had also vowed never to reapply for a US visa, stating he would not wait to be "kicked out."
The US Mission in Nigeria clarified that visas are a privilege, not a right, and can be revoked at any time. Soyinka's revocation comes amid rising diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the US, following Trump's designation of Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" over alleged Christian genocide.
Soyinka explained that he had received a letter from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) notifying him of a tax audit shortly after Trump took office. He visited the US Embassy to discuss the issue and was treated with respect and courtesy. However, he believes the visa revocation is linked to his criticism of Trump.
Soyinka described Trump as a "petty-minded dictator" and criticized his administration's treatment of minorities and rise in extrajudicial killings. He stated that he had predicted Trump's actions and was not surprised by the visa revocation.
The 91-year-old author and playwright emphasized that he maintains cordial relations with the American people and embassy staff, who have always treated him with respect and courtesy.
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