By Blessing Nweke
President Donald Trump said he will take the unusual step of attending oral arguments at the Supreme Court of the United States on Wednesday, as justices consider a case that could reshape birthright citizenship.
“I’m going,” Trump told reporters Tuesday at the White House, adding he has followed the issue closely. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed he plans to be present when arguments begin over the constitutionality of a January 2025 executive order limiting automatic citizenship.
The policy would restrict birthright citizenship to children born to at least one U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, challenging longstanding interpretations of the 14th Amendment. That amendment has traditionally guaranteed citizenship to nearly anyone born on U.S. soil.
Court historians say there is no official record of a sitting president attending Supreme Court oral arguments, making Trump’s planned appearance highly unusual. He previously attended ceremonial events for his nominees, including Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, but not proceedings.
Legal scholars say the move could heighten tensions. Richard Pildes of New York University said Trump’s presence risks framing the case as a personal clash rather than an institutional dispute over presidential authority.
The announcement comes weeks after Trump sharply criticized the court following a ruling against his tariff policies, calling some justices disloyal. Chief Justice John Roberts has warned against personal attacks on the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its independence.
The Supreme Court agreed in December to hear the case after lower courts blocked Trump’s order. A ruling could have sweeping implications for immigration policy and constitutional law in the United States.
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