US Supreme Court appears sceptical of Trump birthright citizenship challenge

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday heard oral arguments over President Donald Trump’s effort to narrow birthright citizenship, in a case that could affect children born in the United States to undocumented or temporary immigrant parents.

Reporting from AP and NPR said several justices, including some conservatives, appeared skeptical of the administration’s position during the hearing. Trump attended the arguments in person, a rare appearance by a sitting president at Supreme Court oral arguments.

The case centers on a challenge to the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which has generally been understood to guarantee citizenship to most people born on U.S. soil. The administration is asking the court to allow a narrower reading of that protection.

The Supreme Court’s own media advisory had scheduled the arguments for Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and the court says transcripts and audio are posted later the same day.

It was not immediately clear whether the justices would resolve the constitutional question directly or issue a narrower ruling focused on procedure and the nationwide injunctions blocking the policy. Reporting has indicated a decision could come by early summer.

The hearing marks one of the most closely watched immigration and constitutional cases to reach the court this term, with the outcome likely to shape how far the administration can go in trying to limit birthright citizenship.