Birthright citizenship: Donald Trump becomes first US sitting president to attend Supreme Court argument

Donald Trump will be the first sitting US President to attend the Supreme Court hearing. The apex court is hearing oral arguments on birthright citizenship. This is also the first executive order that Trump signed when he assumed office for his second term in January 2025. It challenges the 14th Amendment of the Constitution and federal law dating back to 1940. America confers citizenship to everyone born on its soil, with very limited exceptions.

In the past US presidents have only visited the apex court for swearing-in or funerals; nobody to date has sat through a legal hearing. White House officials noted that the President felt his presence was "necessary to show the gravity" of the administration's position. The move follows a significant legal sting from February 2026, when the court struck down his administration's sweeping global tariffs.

Also read: Tariffs have made 'US wealthy and powerful': Trump lauds his strategy

In February, ahead of the Supreme Court's landmark 6-3 ruling, Trump told reporters that without tariffs, “the whole country would be bankrupt." The US president and his economic team had voiced their opinion, stating that the apex court should leave the trade policy in place. Also, highlighting the vital role of tariffs in his foreign policy and its importance in revenue generation. Initially, US-prosposed 50% tariff had been levied on India, which came into effect at 9.30 AM on August 27. Left, right and centre, the Trump administration was out there slapping tariffs on countries exporting goods into America. India's oil trade with Russia had not gone down well with the US president. He had warned that an additional 25% tariff would be imposed. Essentially, the 50% would impact $48.2 billion worth of export merchandise. This is likely to impact the exports of garments, jewellery, gems, footwear, furniture and chemicals.