Fact Check: Trump calls the 14th amendment 'stupid' and misinterprets its purpose.

Fact Check: Trump Calls the 14th Amendment 'Stupid' and Misinterprets Its Purpose

What We Know

Former President Donald Trump has made various statements regarding the 14th Amendment, particularly in the context of birthright citizenship. In a recent executive order titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship," he attempted to redefine the parameters of citizenship as established by the 14th Amendment. Critics have described this executive order as "lawless" and "flagrantly unconstitutional," arguing that it misinterprets the amendment's purpose and intent (source-2).

In his comments, Trump has suggested that the 14th Amendment does not extend citizenship universally to everyone born in the United States, which is a significant departure from the prevailing legal interpretation that has consistently upheld the amendment's provision for birthright citizenship (source-2).

Additionally, Trump has referred to the United States as a "stupid country," which has sparked outrage and led to discussions about his views on American citizenship and immigration policy (source-5).

Analysis

The claim that Trump called the 14th Amendment "stupid" is not directly substantiated by a specific quote from him regarding the amendment itself. However, his executive order and public statements imply a dismissive attitude toward the constitutional provision that guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil. His framing of citizenship as a "privilege" rather than a right is a critical misinterpretation that undermines the 14th Amendment's intent, which was to ensure that formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants were granted full citizenship rights (source-2).

Critics argue that Trump's interpretation of the amendment is not only incorrect but also reflects a broader agenda to restrict citizenship based on race and immigration status. The assertion that the amendment has never been interpreted to extend citizenship universally is misleading, as legal precedents have consistently upheld this interpretation (source-2).

Moreover, the sources used to support these claims come from a mix of legal analysis and political commentary, which may introduce bias. The source detailing Trump's executive order is from a publication known for its critical stance on Trump, which may affect the objectivity of the analysis presented (source-2). However, the legal interpretations cited are based on established constitutional law, lending credibility to the argument against Trump's misinterpretation.

Conclusion

The claim that Trump called the 14th Amendment "stupid" is Partially True. While he did not explicitly use that term regarding the amendment, his actions and statements reflect a dismissive and incorrect interpretation of its purpose. His executive order attempts to redefine citizenship in a way that contradicts the established legal understanding of the 14th Amendment, which has been interpreted to grant birthright citizenship to all individuals born in the U.S. This misinterpretation aligns with a broader narrative that seeks to undermine the rights guaranteed by the amendment.

Fact Check: Trump calls the 14th amendment 'stupid' and misinterprets its purpose.