Fact Check: Trump Claims Birthright Citizenship is Exploited by 'the Worst People'
What We Know
On June 27, 2025, during a press conference, President Donald Trump asserted that "some of the worst people, some of the cartels" exploit birthright citizenship to facilitate illegal immigration into the United States (source-2, source-5). This statement was made in the context of discussing his administration's efforts to end birthright citizenship, which he claims incentivizes illegal immigration. Trump's comments followed a Supreme Court ruling that limited the ability of lower courts to issue nationwide injunctions against his executive orders, including those related to immigration policies (source-3).
Analysis
Trump's claim that birthright citizenship is exploited by "the worst people" lacks empirical evidence. While he cited cartels as entities that misuse this policy, he did not provide specific examples or data to substantiate his assertion. This statement appears to be more of a rhetorical device aimed at framing the immigration debate rather than a statement grounded in documented fact (source-2, source-8).
The sources reporting on Trump's comments include reputable outlets such as The New York Times and ABC News, which have a history of journalistic integrity. However, the context of Trump's statement suggests a potential bias, as it aligns with his administration's broader narrative that seeks to portray immigration as a threat to national security. This narrative has been critiqued by various scholars and commentators, who argue that it oversimplifies complex immigration issues and often lacks factual backing (source-2, source-3).
Furthermore, Trump's framing of birthright citizenship as a tool for exploitation does not consider the historical and legal foundations of the policy, which is rooted in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Legal experts have pointed out that the notion of ending birthright citizenship is largely considered a fringe idea within legal circles, and there is significant opposition to such changes based on constitutional grounds (source-2).
Conclusion
The claim made by Trump that birthright citizenship is exploited by "the worst people" is True in the sense that he did indeed make this statement. However, the assertion lacks substantiation and relies on a narrative that has been widely criticized for its lack of factual basis. While the statement reflects Trump's ongoing immigration agenda, it does not provide a comprehensive or accurate portrayal of the complexities surrounding birthright citizenship and immigration in the United States.
