What Next | Daily News and Analysis Trump Went to Court—But Left Early
21 snips
Apr 2, 2026 
Jamelle Bouie, NYT opinion columnist who analyzes constitutional and historical politics. He traces the 14th Amendment’s history and explains Wong Kim Ark precedent. He breaks down the Supreme Court arguments over domicile and the risk of future, more sophisticated attacks on birthright citizenship. Short, sharp takes on legal strategy and political stakes.
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Justices Were Skeptical Of Government's Argument
- The Supreme Court justices mostly treated the government's birthright citizenship argument with skepticism and even contempt.
- Jamelle Bouie notes many justices found the case legally implausible and unworthy of respect during oral arguments.
Trump Showed Up Then Walked Out
- Donald Trump personally attended the Supreme Court argument and left early, signaling he likely realized the case was going poorly.
- Bouie says the spectacle suggests Trump treats the court as if it belongs to him and that his presence was meant to intimidate.
14th Amendment Was Written To Settle Citizenship
- The 14th Amendment's Citizenship Clause was designed to establish national birthright citizenship after the Civil War.
- Bouie explains Congress wrote the clause to settle citizenship once and for all, building on the 1866 Civil Rights Act and abolitionist demands.