Trump weighs in on SCOTUS birthright citizenship case: 'The dysfunction of America'

Fox News - May 15th, 2025
Open on Fox News

Justice Elena Kagan sharply criticized U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer over the birthright citizenship executive order, which has yet to find success in any federal court, including those with Trump-appointed judges. The Supreme Court heard the case on May 14, 2025, as President Donald Trump expressed his views on the issue via Truth Social, arguing that the law was intended for the descendants of slaves rather than illegal immigrants. Trump emphasized that birthright citizenship, established in 1868, should not apply to 'vacationers' seeking permanent citizenship and criticized the current interpretation as a source of America's dysfunction.

The Supreme Court's decision will not only address the legality of Trump's attempts to end birthright citizenship but also consider the broader question of whether lower federal courts can impose universal injunctions against presidential executive orders. The outcome could significantly impact the executive power of the presidency and the judicial checks on such power. The justices' final ruling could be delivered in a matter of hours or could take several weeks, potentially altering the landscape of immigration policy and executive authority in the United States.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and engaging overview of the birthright citizenship debate, focusing on recent Supreme Court hearings and comments from prominent figures like President Trump and Justice Kagan. While the story succeeds in capturing reader interest and addressing a topic of significant public interest, it falls short in several areas, including balance, source quality, and transparency. The lack of diverse perspectives and detailed attribution limits the story's depth and reliability, while the occasional sensationalist tone may affect its perceived neutrality. Despite these weaknesses, the article effectively communicates the complexity and controversy surrounding the issue, contributing to ongoing public discourse and debate.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that require verification, such as Justice Kagan's comments and Trump's statements on birthright citizenship. The article correctly identifies the historical context of the 14th Amendment and its original intent to grant citizenship to former slaves, but it lacks precision in detailing the broader legal interpretations that include all individuals born in the U.S. The claim that Trump's executive order has been universally blocked by federal courts, including those with Trump-appointed judges, needs further verification. Additionally, Trump's assertion that the U.S. is unique in offering birthright citizenship is misleading, as other countries also practice this policy. Overall, while the story contains accurate elements, some statements are either oversimplified or require more context to ensure full accuracy.

5
Balance

The article primarily presents perspectives from Justice Kagan and President Trump, focusing heavily on Trump's viewpoint without offering substantial counterarguments or alternative perspectives. This creates an imbalance, as the story lacks input from legal experts, historians, or representatives from immigrant advocacy groups who could provide a more rounded view of the birthright citizenship debate. The omission of these perspectives results in a skewed presentation that may not fully capture the complexity of the issue or the diversity of opinions surrounding it.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, presenting information in a straightforward manner. The narrative is easy to follow, with a logical progression from Justice Kagan's comments to Trump's statements and the broader context of the Supreme Court case. However, the tone occasionally leans towards sensationalism, particularly in the portrayal of Trump's comments, which may affect the perceived neutrality of the piece. Despite this, the article remains accessible to a general audience, providing a coherent overview of the key issues at play.

4
Source quality

The article relies heavily on statements from President Trump and Justice Kagan, but it does not cite specific sources or provide detailed attribution for these quotes. The lack of diverse sources, such as legal analysts or historical experts, limits the reliability and depth of the information presented. Additionally, the absence of direct references to court documents or transcripts from the Supreme Court hearings weakens the story's credibility, as readers are left without the means to independently verify the claims made within the article.

3
Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding its sources and methodology. It does not disclose how the information was obtained or whether the quotes were taken directly from public statements, interviews, or official records. Furthermore, there is no discussion of potential biases or conflicts of interest that might affect the reporting. This lack of transparency leaves readers without a clear understanding of the basis for the claims made in the article, making it difficult to assess the impartiality and reliability of the content.

Sources

  1. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/15/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-trump-order-argument-00352065
  2. https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/05/questions-about-thursdays-oral-argument-in-the-birthright-citizenship-dispute-we-have-some-answers/
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vorfqmyVlPY
  4. https://www.foxnews.com/politics
  5. https://www.everettpost.com/politics/supreme-court-to-weigh-blocks-on-trumps-order-to-end-birthright-citizenship