U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that his administration would appeal a federal judge’s ruling temporarily blocking his effort to restrict birthright citizenship.
“Obviously, we will appeal it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, responding to the decision by U.S. District Judge John Coughenour of Washington state, who called the executive order “blatantly unconstitutional.”
The ruling imposes a 14-day stay on enforcing Trump’s executive order, one of the most controversial actions he signed after beginning his second term.
“This is a blatantly unconstitutional order,” Judge Coughenour said during the hearing. Appointed by Republican President Ronald Reagan, Coughenour added, “I’ve been on the bench for over four decades, and I can’t recall another case where the constitutional question was as clear as this one.”
The Department of Justice defended the executive order, arguing that it “correctly interprets” the U.S. Constitution. A DOJ spokesperson stated, “We look forward to presenting a full merits argument to the Court and to the American people, who are desperate to see our Nation’s laws enforced.”
Birthright Citizenship and the 14th Amendment
Birthright citizenship is guaranteed under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
Trump’s executive order argued that individuals in the U.S. illegally or on temporary visas were not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and therefore excluded from this provision.
Judge Coughenour sharply criticized the administration’s interpretation, expressing disbelief at the defense’s claims. “Frankly, I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar could state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order,” he said. “It just boggles my mind.”
Legal and Political Backlash
The ruling comes after lawsuits from 22 states, two cities, and multiple civil rights groups. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes welcomed the decision, stating, “No president can change the Constitution on a whim, and today’s decision affirms that.”
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown condemned Trump’s order as “un-American,” adding, “Birthright citizenship ensures that citizenship cannot be conditioned on race, ethnicity, or where someone’s parents came from. It’s the law of our nation.”
Opponents of Trump’s order emphasize that the 14th Amendment has been settled law for over a century. They point to the 1898 U.S. Supreme Court case of Wong Kim Ark, in which the court affirmed that children born in the United States, including those of immigrants, are citizens.
Trump has repeatedly claimed, incorrectly, that the U.S. is the only country with birthright citizenship. In reality, more than 30 countries, including Canada and Mexico, also grant citizenship based on birth within their borders.
Despite the legal hurdles, Trump has acknowledged that his executive order would face challenges, framing it as part of his broader effort to reshape immigration policy.
