Improving US–Russia relations under the Trump 2.0 administration is being challenged by alleged deep-state actions targetting Russian diplomats.

The forced granting of US citizenship to diplomats’ children is portrayed as a violation of international diplomatic norms and a means of political pressure against Moscow. Such contradictions in American immigration and foreign policy risk escalating tensions, undermining diplomatic progress, and provoking a potential Russian response.

Since the inception of the presidency of Donald Trump in January 2025, US-Russia relations have started improving to some extent. Whether it’s Ukraine or Iran, both powers have been in contact with each other. President Vladimir Putin has been gracious enough to step in to normalise a few deteriorating situations, and the Iran war is its best manifestation. However, this slight improvement in US-Russia relations has raised alarms in the American intelligence circles, those who are intoxicated with the senseless Russophobic narrative.

As the Trump 2.0 administration has put an iron hand over the issues of migration, even deporting hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants back to their homelands, the deep state in the US is heading on an alternative path. This inconsistency in the US policies was first highlighted by Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in her article titled “Thanks, but no thanks. That’s enough. Stop! US deep state vs. Trump, Russian diplomats, and the law,” published in the Russian business daily Vedomosti on March 4, 2026.

Birthright Citizenship in the US

To understand the purpose of Zakharova’s article, one needs to dive through the rules and regulations of birthright citizenship in the US. The most prominent feature in this regard is the principle of ‘jus soli’ (right of the soil). Any person born in America would be granted citizenship rights, whether his /her parents have American nationality or not. This principle is echoed in the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment in the US Constitution, which was enacted in 1868.

However, this clause does not apply to the foreign diplomatic staff, including consuls, attachés, ambassadors, and their families. As diplomats are given full immunity from the domestic laws of the host state, their children born on American soil are not granted birthright citizenship. This principle is in accordance with international law and is observed by the international community in good faith. However, what the US intelligence agencies are doing right now is in complete violation of these principles, raising questions of political inconsistencies and judicial weakness.

What Does the Article Say?

In her article, Maria Zakharova referenced the case of a Russian diplomat in the US. One of the employees of the US State Department called them and noted, “Their son has been granted US citizenship against his wishes due to having been born in America. Notice is hereby given that your child is our citizen and that you have no choice but to accept it.” Zakharova pointed out to her audience that the children of diplomats from other countries cannot enjoy any birthright citizenship privilege in America.

She continued by highlighting how this event runs counter to the new immigration policy of the Trump 2.0 administration and suggested that the Democrats were again undermining it for Russophobia. She was also worried that “the arbitrary conferring of US citizenship on such children would give Washington a handle by which to exert undue pressure on Russian staff.”

American Contradiction

Zakharova clearly identified the ongoing power struggle inside America whereby, on one side, the Trump administration is trying to revive relations with the Russian Federation, while on the other side, the American deep state is pursuing its traditional anti-Russian policies. On one side, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security are implementing strict immigration and customs policies. Even foreign diplomats, who were traditionally allowed to get visas for attending UN meetings in New York, are now being deprived of them.

Per Contra, in such an intense environment, the children of Russian diplomats are given birthright citizenship, which is quite unusual and questionable. Such contradictions could distort the ongoing trajectory of US-Russia relations, as Moscow would definitely respond to the bureaucratic continuity in the US.

The American deep state is doing this primarily for three major reasons. First, the CIA, from the very first day, has been sponsoring and accomplishing such missions that could hurt the Russian economy and halt its rise as a major power in the international arena. For the American deep state, the rise of Russia is a nightmare.

Second, to support Ukraine in Europe. By pressuring the families of Russian diplomats, the CIA is creating an intense diplomatic environment in which the peace negotiations between the US and Russia could be halted. Its best manifestation was the era of President Biden, whereby the US provided immense military and technical support to Ukraine without any oversight.

Third, to sideline Donald Trump and crush his aims of possibly normalising relations with Russia. Both the Democrats and the American deep state are against the Trump administration’s goodwill gesture towards Russia and scolding behaviour towards the European allies.

Purpose of the Article

Russian political authorities do not often write opinions, even in their state media outlets. However, this time, the publishing of an article written by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova explicates the gravity of the matter. Throughout the article, Zakharova has criticised the American deep state, clarified the Russian stance, and cautioned the Trump 2.0 administration to take action as soon as possible.

The purpose of the article revolves around three major aspects. First, to highlight the inconsistency in the Trump 2.0 administration’s policies, which not only looks shameful but also breaks international law. Second, that such types of adventures against Russia are useless. Rather, it depicts the failure and stubbornness of American intelligence. Third, to convey a clear and sharp message to the US officials that doing such illegal activities against Russian diplomats could face a serious backlash. The US should remember that American diplomatic staff are also residing in Russia.

Conclusion

Zakharova’s article highlights Russia’s wise diplomatic move to not only put forward the issue but also caution the counterpart of its consequences. This not only reflects Russian standards but also the failure of the CIA’s cowardly actions to undermine relations between the US and the Russian Federation. Now, it’s upon the Trump administration to resolve the issue; otherwise, the consequences would be catastrophic. Setting such illegal and shameful precedents would only undermine the already falling position of the US in the international arena. Thus, it cannot be ruled out that Russian intelligence will strike back in the near future if Trump 2.0 continues to disregard Zakharova’s advice.

Aleena Im is an independent researcher and writer and is interested in international relations and current affairs. Courtesy

https://journal-neo.su/2026/05/16/citizenship-without-consent-legal-coercion-by-american-deep-state/