Former President Donald Trump made an unprecedented move by attending a Supreme Court oral argument this week, becoming the first sitting president to do so, and reportedly demanded that his seating be altered to place him directly in front of the justices. The hearing centred on Trump's executive order challenging the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.
ACLU Executive Director Details Trump's Courtroom Behaviour
ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero revealed to MSNOW that Trump was initially seated at the end of the first row but, through Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, requested to be moved to a central position facing the justices. Romero interpreted this as a clear attempt to influence the court, stating, "He was endeavoring to put his thumb on the scale" and "to glower at the justices to kind of intimidate them, almost defy them to rule against him."
Trump's Restlessness and Early Exit
Despite the alleged intimidation efforts, Romero observed that Trump appeared fidgety during the proceedings. He noted that when ACLU Legal Director Cecilia Wang began her opening arguments, Trump "started getting restless" and his "shoulders slumped a little bit." The former president left the courtroom approximately 10 to 15 minutes into Wang's presentation, though Romero added that the justices seemed unfazed by his presence despite the initial quiet when he entered.
Trump's Post-Hearing Rants on Truth Social and at Private Event
Trump expressed his dissatisfaction vehemently after the hearing. On Truth Social, he raged, "We are the only Country in the World STUPID enough to allow 'Birthright' Citizenship!" Later that same day, at a private Easter gathering with MAGA religious figures, he complained about Republicans, judges, and justices, saying they defy him to "show their independence, you know. Stupid people."
His criticism escalated on Thursday when he labelled the Supreme Court a "KANGAROO COURT!!!" on Truth Social, highlighting his ongoing frustration with the judicial process.
Justices Question Practicality of Trump's Executive Order
During the hearing, justices raised significant concerns about Trump's executive order. Chief Justice John Roberts pointed out that the order focused on the citizenship of parents rather than the individuals born in the U.S., noting enforcement would be extremely difficult. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a Trump appointee, questioned the order's practicality, asking, "How would it work? How would you adjudicate these cases? You're not going to know at the time of birth whether they have the intent to stay or not, including U.S. citizens, by the way."
This hearing marks a critical moment in Trump's second-term efforts to reshape immigration policy, with the Supreme Court's decision poised to have far-reaching implications for birthright citizenship in the United States.
