Jonah Patel
Former US President Donald Trump has made several comments that have led some to question his commitment to the US Constitution. In December 2022, Trump suggested that termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution was justified due to his baseless claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. While Trump later attempted to walk back his statement, his comments were denounced by many, including White House officials and members of his own party. Additionally, Trump has expressed uncertainty about upholding the constitutional right to due process for immigrants facing deportation, citing the need for rapid deportations. These statements have sparked concerns about his potential plans for government if elected again.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Donald Trump's stance on the constitution | Trump has suggested that the "termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution" was merited due to his belief that the 2020 election was stolen from him due to widespread voter fraud. However, he later attempted to walk back his statement, claiming that he was misquoted. |
| Response from politicians | Trump's comments were denounced by the White House and led to calls for intervention from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. Several politicians, including Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio and Rep.-elect Mike Lawler of New York, objected to the remarks, emphasizing the importance of the Constitution in protecting the rights of Americans. |
| Response from the public | Trump's statement was described as "strange and extreme" by Incoming House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who stated that Republicans would need to choose whether to continue embracing Trump's anti-democratic views. |
| Trump's response to criticism | Trump denied calling for the termination of the Constitution, claiming that the media was spreading disinformation and lies. He asserted that he was referring to taking immediate steps to right the wrong of a stolen election. |
| Trump's stance on upholding the Constitution | When asked if he needed to uphold the US Constitution regarding giving immigrants the right to due process, Trump responded with "I don't know," stating that he was following his lawyers' instructions and trying to execute rapid deportations. |
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What You'll Learn
Trump's stance on the deportation of immigrants
The Trump administration's approach to immigration has been described as aggressive, and it has raised legal and ethical questions from constitutional experts. They argue that the administration's actions may violate the Fifth Amendment, which guarantees due process, and the Suspension Clause, which safeguards access to the writ of habeas corpus. The deportation of immigrants without due process has been compared to unconstitutional conduct, such as racial profiling, which violates the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments.
Trump has also invoked the Alien Enemies Act, a centuries-old law, to justify the removal of Venezuelan citizens without judicial review. This has been criticised as an abuse of authority and an attempt to bypass constitutional protections. The administration's use of this law to deny immigrants their right to due process has been described as dangerous and unprecedented during peacetime.
In addition, there are concerns about the treatment of deportees. The Trump administration has been paying El Salvador to incarcerate deportees, and there are reports of cruel and unusual punishment in Salvadoran prisons, which may violate the Eighth Amendment. Overall, Trump's stance on the deportation of immigrants has been characterised by a willingness to defy constitutional protections and a disregard for the rights of immigrants.
Furthermore, Trump's proposal to deport U.S. citizens convicted of violent crimes has sparked legal alarms. Legal scholars argue that there is no constitutional or statutory authority for deporting U.S.-born citizens under any circumstances. This proposal has been described as an attempt to \"sow chaos and fear\" and an abuse of presidential power. Rights advocates worry that even suggesting the removal of U.S. citizens crosses a line and could have a chilling effect on immigrant communities and naturalized citizens.
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Trump's third term
In 2025, Donald Trump indicated that he plans to leave office at the end of his second term, acknowledging the constitutional constraints that prevent him from seeking a third term. However, Trump's relationship with the US Constitution has been a contentious issue during his presidency.
In December 2022, Trump suggested that the "termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution" was justified due to his baseless claim of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. This statement was denounced by the White House and faced criticism from both parties, including Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, and Rep.-elect Mike Lawler, R-New York. Trump later attempted to clarify his comments, stating that he was referring to taking immediate steps to right the wrong of a stolen election, rather than terminating the Constitution.
Trump has also faced questions about his commitment to upholding constitutional due process, particularly in the context of immigration. He has argued that fulfilling his campaign promise of rapid mass deportations may take precedence over giving immigrants the right to due process, as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. Trump has cited legal advice as a reason for his actions, stating that he will "follow what the lawyers say."
Despite Trump's ambiguous stance on upholding the Constitution, there have been calls from some Republicans to amend it to allow for a third term. In January, Republican congressman Andy Ogles introduced a resolution to amend the Constitution to permit the president to serve up to three terms. However, these efforts have been met with resistance, with some emphasizing the importance of the constitutional constraints on presidential terms.
While Trump has not explicitly stated that he seeks a third term, his comments and actions have sparked concerns about his commitment to constitutional norms and the protection of immigrants' rights.
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Trump's relationship with the media
In May 2025, Donald Trump said "I don't know" when asked in a TV interview if he needed to uphold the US Constitution when it comes to giving immigrants the right of due process. Trump argued that fulfilling his campaign promise to rapidly carry out mass deportations may take precedence over giving immigrants the right to due process under the Constitution. He also said he saw himself as leaving office at the end of his second term, acknowledging the constitutional constraints preventing him from seeking a third.
In December 2022, Trump had suggested that the "termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution" was merited, due to his false claim that he lost the 2020 election because of widespread voter fraud. This statement was denounced by the White House and led to calls for intervention by then House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. Trump later attempted to walk back his statement, claiming that the media was trying to convince Americans that he wanted to "terminate" the Constitution.
Trump's stance on the Constitution has also been criticised by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who used the GOP primary debate to attack the former president. Additionally, Vice President Kamala Harris alleged that Trump's plans for government included the termination of the Constitution, stating that he would "terminate the Constitution of the United States" if elected president.
Trump's comments on the Constitution, particularly regarding due process for immigrants and his suggestion of terminating the Constitution, highlight a complex relationship with the media and have sparked concerns about his commitment to upholding constitutional rights and the rule of law.
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Trump's relationship with lawyers
In December 2022, former US President Donald Trump suggested that the "termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution" was merited. This statement was made in the context of his baseless claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him due to widespread voter fraud. Trump's comment was denounced by the White House and faced rebuke from officials and lawmakers in both parties, who described it as an attack on the foundation of American democracy.
Trump's choice of lawyers has also been a subject of interest. In his dealings with Harvard University, for example, Trump selected attorneys Robert Hur and William Burck, both well-known in conservative legal circles and with experience in high-profile matters involving the Trump administration. The dispute with Harvard centred on the administration's efforts to force the university to comply with its political agenda and limit student activism by threatening to withhold federal funding.
Trump has also faced scrutiny for his agreements with law firms, with some arguing that these deals are legally unenforceable and based on coercion. There have been instances where Trump's lawyers have struggled to defend his initiatives in court, facing criticism from judges for their handling of cases.
In terms of Trump's relationship with the legal system more broadly, there have been instances where judges have held him in contempt, threatened to throw him out of court, and warned of potential jail time if his behaviour did not improve. Trump's comments on the Constitution and due process have also raised questions about his understanding of legal obligations.
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Trump's relationship with the Republican Party
In May 2025, Donald Trump said "I don't know" when asked if he needed to uphold the US Constitution when it comes to giving immigrants the right of due process. Trump argued that fulfilling his campaign promise to rapidly carry out mass deportations may take precedence over giving immigrants the right to due process under the Constitution. He also said that he saw himself as leaving office at the end of his second term, acknowledging the constitutional constraints preventing him from seeking a third term.
In December 2022, Trump had suggested the "termination of all rules... even those found in the Constitution" was merited, as he continued to push the false claim that he lost the 2020 election due to widespread voter fraud. This statement was denounced by the White House and led to calls for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to intervene. Trump later attempted to walk back his statement, claiming that the media had misinterpreted his words.
In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Trump's potential third-term bid caused a stir within the party. While some Republicans, like Andy Ogles, introduced resolutions to amend the Constitution to allow for a third term, others reaffirmed the 22nd Amendment's prohibition on a third term. Most of the party's 2024 candidates avoided criticising Trump, with the notable exception of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who attacked Trump during the first GOP primary debate.
Trump's suggestion of terminating parts of the Constitution was met with rebuke from officials in both parties, including some prominent Republicans. Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, said he "vehemently" disagreed and "absolutely" condemned the remarks. Rep.-elect Mike Lawler, R-New York, also objected, stating that it was time to focus on the future instead of past grievances.
Overall, Trump's relationship with the Republican Party has been characterised by a mix of support and criticism. While he has a loyal base within the party, his controversial statements and actions, including his comments on terminating the Constitution, have also led to divisions and pushback from within the party.
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Frequently asked questions
In December 2022, Donald Trump suggested the "termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution" in a post on Truth Social. This was in reference to his baseless claim that he lost the 2020 election due to widespread voter fraud.
Trump's comments were denounced by the White House and led to calls for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to intervene. Incoming House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries described the statement as "strange and extreme", while Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, a top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, said he "vehemently" disagreed and "absolutely" condemned the remarks.
Trump later attempted to walk back his statement, writing on Truth Social that: "The Fake News is actually trying to convince the American People that I said I wanted to 'terminate' the Constitution. This is simply more DISINFORMATION & LIES."
