The Brian Lehrer Show Wednesday Morning Politics: Birthright Citizenship, War in Iran, and More
Apr 1, 2026
Jonathan Lemire, political journalist and Morning Joe co-host, offers sharp reporting and analysis on national politics. He discusses the Supreme Court fight over birthright citizenship and the legal history of the 14th Amendment. He also breaks down Trump's presence at the Court, a new executive order on mail-in voting, and U.S. options and risks in the Iran conflict.
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Trump's Presence Aims To Persuade Or Intimidate
- Trump's attendance at the oral arguments is unprecedented and intended as a public pressure tactic on the justices.
- Jonathan Lemire says previous presidents respected the separation of powers; Trump's presence signals a break with norms aimed at motivating his base.
Experts Doubt Presidential Pressure Will Work
- Court experts broadly doubt Trump's presence will sway justices and warn it could backfire by prompting judicial defiance.
- Lemire adds most legal analysts outside the far right see little merit to the administration's claim and expect defeat.
Jurisdiction Argument Centers On Domicile And Allegiance
- The administration's argument emphasizes 'subject to the jurisdiction' meaning allegiance or domicile rather than mere physical presence.
- Solicitor's Office links Civil Rights Act and congressional debates to a domicile-based theory limiting birthright citizenship.