Trump Attends Supreme Court Hearing on Birthright Citizenship

President breaks precedent to observe arguments in case that could overturn 14th Amendment guarantee.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:33am by Ben Kaplan

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For the first time in U.S. history, a sitting president attended oral arguments at the Supreme Court. President Donald Trump took a front-row seat to observe the case of Trump v. Barbara, in which the administration is seeking to end birthright citizenship guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.

Why it matters

Trump has long promised to end birthright citizenship, which he claims is based on a 'historical myth.' This case represents his latest attempt to reshape a core American principle of equality and citizenship.

The details

The case arose from Trump's 2025 executive order declaring that individuals born in the U.S. are not citizens if their parents lack legal permanent status. Three families sued, represented by the ACLU. The court must now decide whether to overturn the 14th Amendment's guarantee of birthright citizenship.

  • On January 20, 2025, Trump issued an executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship.
  • The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case on April 1, 2026.

The players

Donald J. Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who is seeking to end birthright citizenship through this Supreme Court case.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General, who accompanied Trump to observe the Supreme Court proceedings.

Howard Lutnick

The Commerce Secretary, who also attended the Supreme Court hearing with Trump.

Cecillia Wang

An ACLU lawyer arguing on behalf of the plaintiffs challenging Trump's order.

Barbara

The lead plaintiff in the case, an asylum applicant from Honduras whose baby was due after Trump's order was set to take effect.

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What they’re saying

“It's a nerve-wracking experience to argue any case in the Supreme Court, and especially one as weighty as this one, where the president of the United States is taking aim at a cherished American tradition and individual right of citizenship based on your birth in this country.”

— Cecillia Wang, ACLU Lawyer

What’s next

The Supreme Court will issue a ruling in the case at a later date, which will determine the future of birthright citizenship in the United States.

The takeaway

This case represents a direct challenge to one of the core principles of American citizenship, with far-reaching implications for immigrants and their children. The outcome could reshape the nation's understanding of who is entitled to the rights and privileges of being a U.S. citizen.