Fact Check: Trump Calls Birthright Citizenship 'Stupid' and Meant for Slaves' Children
What We Know
In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump expressed his disdain for birthright citizenship, stating, “We’re going to end that because it’s ridiculous” when discussing the topic with NBC's Kristen Welker (source-1). He further elaborated on his views in a post on Truth Social, where he labeled the United States as a “STUPID Country” for allowing birthright citizenship, claiming it was not intended for those who come to the U.S. temporarily or illegally. Trump asserted that the provision was meant to protect the children of slaves, stating, “It had nothing to do with Illegal Immigration for people wanting to SCAM our Country” (source-3).
Birthright citizenship is established under the Fourteenth Amendment, which states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States” (source-1). This principle has been a cornerstone of American citizenship law since its ratification in 1868.
Analysis
Trump's comments reflect a controversial interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment. He argues that the amendment was primarily intended to grant citizenship to the children of slaves, a point he reiterated multiple times in his statements. This interpretation aligns with historical context, as the amendment was indeed passed in the aftermath of the Civil War to ensure citizenship rights for formerly enslaved individuals (source-3).
However, Trump's assertion that birthright citizenship is a “stupid” policy has been met with criticism. Legal scholars widely agree that the amendment's language supports the current practice of granting citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status (source-1). Attempts to alter this interpretation would likely face significant legal challenges, as the consensus among experts is that changing such a fundamental constitutional right would require either a Supreme Court ruling or a constitutional amendment, both of which are highly unlikely (source-1).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the first source being an academic perspective from Northeastern University and the second source being a reputable news outlet, The New Republic. Both provide a balanced view of the legal implications surrounding Trump's statements.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump called birthright citizenship "stupid" and suggested it was meant for the children of slaves is Partially True. While he did indeed make these statements, his interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment is contested and reflects a broader political agenda rather than a universally accepted legal understanding. The historical context of the amendment supports his assertion about its original intent, but the application of birthright citizenship today extends beyond that narrow interpretation.
