Fidgeting Trump Had to Be Moved During SCOTUS Humiliation
The Daily Beast • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to attend Supreme Court oral arguments, demanding to be seated directly in front of the justices during his birthright citizenship case.
- Critics, including ACLU executive director Anthony Romero, interpreted Trump's presence and behavior—such as fidgeting and attempting to glare at the justices—as an effort to intimidate them.
- Trump left the courtroom about 10 to 15 minutes into the arguments, with the justices remaining unfazed and continuing without acknowledging his presence or departure.
- The case challenged the legality of Trump's executive order attempting to limit birthright citizenship, which conflicts with the 14th Amendment's guarantee of citizenship to all born in the U.S.
- Reports indicated that Trump appeared bored during the hearing, frequently closing his eyes while Solicitor General John Sauer presented the government's arguments.
