Supreme Court justices across the ideological spectrum expressed doubt about Donald Trump's executive order restricting birthright citizenship during oral arguments Wednesday, with the president making an unprecedented appearance in the courtroom.
Trump became the first sitting president to attend Supreme Court oral arguments, sitting in the front row before departing midway through the proceedings. He left after his administration's presentation but before civil liberties advocates defended the constitutional principle.
The case centers on Trump's executive order directing federal agencies not to recognize citizenship for children born in the United States if neither parent is a citizen or legal permanent resident. Lower courts blocked the directive as unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment's Citizenship Clause.
It demeans the priceless and profound gift of American citizenship. It operates as a powerful pull factor for illegal immigration and rewards illegal aliens who not only violate the immigration laws but also jump in front of those who follow the rules.
D. John Sauer, US Solicitor General — Dawn
Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that unrestricted birthright citizenship contradicts practices in most modern nations and encourages "birth tourism" by foreigners seeking American citizenship for their children.
Euronews frames the story as a historic constitutional challenge, emphasizing Trump's unprecedented court appearance and the skeptical reception from justices. The outlet presents both sides' arguments while highlighting the conservative Chief Justice's pointed questioning of the administration's position.