WASHINGTON (AP) – Attendees whispered and craned their necks as President Donald Trump made a unprecedented move by sitting in the front row among the public to listen to a Supreme Court argument. Despite being known for always being in the limelight, Trump remained a silent observer with his hands in his lap, receiving no acknowledgment from the justices.
He was accompanied by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to defend his executive order challenging birthright citizenship protections. Throughout the session, Trump listened as the justices questioned his administration’s lawyer on the matter. Some of the justices, including three of his own appointees, expressed doubts about Trump’s proposed limitations on birthright citizenship.
After the opposing party presented their arguments, Trump left the courtroom. Later on, he took to social media to express his views, labeling the US as the only country foolish enough to allow birthright citizenship. This added to Trump’s ongoing criticism of the court and certain justices.
Despite the president’s attempts to sway the justices, experts believe that his intimidation tactics are unlikely to be effective. Constitutional law professors emphasize the independence of the justices, even those who may align with Trump’s policies.
Trump’s presence at the oral argument brought a sense of drama to the typically formal setting. Actor Robert DeNiro, a vocal critic of Trump, was also present in the courtroom, seated in the guest box reserved for friends and family. The two did not interact.
