White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt ignited a firestorm during her first press briefing Tuesday by declaring that the administration does not believe in the constitutionality of birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment.
The amendment explicitly 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.” Leavitt’s assertion, however, was met with swift backlash from legal experts, politicians, and activists.
“This administration believes that birthright citizenship is unconstitutional,” she said, a statement that critics called legally indefensible. Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA) responded by posting a screenshot of the 14th Amendment, remarking, “The literal Constitution.” Human Rights Campaign press secretary Brandon Wolf added, “Well, you’re wrong.”
Former Republican Party chairman Michael Steele questioned the basis of the claim, asking, “And on what constitutional principle is this belief based?” Nevada Attorney General communications director John Sadler pointed out the absurdity of the statement, noting, “We are pretending not to be able to read the literal text of the Constitution now. It has been 8 days.”
Former immigration lawyer Aaron Reichlin-Melnick also weighed in, saying, “Worth noting that’s not what the Trump admin is arguing in court. They’re claiming it’s not required by the Constitution (they are very, very wrong) but they obviously aren’t arguing it’s unconstitutional.”
On social media, the criticism was unrelenting. Artist Candee Corliss posted on Bluesky, “It’s literally in the Constitution. This woman is embarrassing.” Former IMF speechwriter Tony Annett highlighted Leavitt’s comments while noting, “She has the audacity to wear a cross” necklace.
Even former Trump campaign staffer A.J. Delgado, who expressed personal support for Leavitt, called her remarks misguided. “I’m rooting for this girl personally, but, damn, she’s dumb as rocks. Even opponents of birthright citizenship don’t say it’s ‘unconstitutional.’ Why? For something to be ‘unconstitutional,’ it has to violate one of the rights granted by the Constitution,” Delgado explained.
She added, “What she should have said is: ‘There is no basis for birthright citizenship in the Constitution, as its supporters mistakenly argue.’ Sigh. Between this and ‘Columbia’ in an official press release … yikes.” Leavitt’s comments have reignited debates over the administration’s stance on immigration and constitutional interpretation.
Critics argue that the 14th Amendment’s language is clear and that the administration’s position undermines a foundational principle of American citizenship. The controversy underscores the ongoing tension between the White House and its opponents over issues of law, policy, and the Constitution.