Simone Lawson
In a 2025 interview with NBC's Meet the Press, Donald Trump said that he did not know whether it was his job to uphold the US Constitution, specifically in relation to giving immigrants the right of due process. When pressed by interviewer Kristen Welker, Trump repeated I don't know and added I'm not a lawyer. This response sparked criticism and concern, with some interpreting it as Trump's refusal to commit to upholding the Constitution. Trump's comments came amid legal challenges to his administration's agenda, particularly his aggressive deportation campaign.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Response to whether he needs to uphold the Constitution | I don't know |
| Response to whether he will uphold due process rights | I don't know. I'm not a lawyer. I don't know. |
| Response to whether he will serve a third term | I don't want to get involved in that. |
| Response to whether he will use military force to take Greenland | I don't rule it out. |
| Response to whether he will use military force to take Canada | I think it's highly unlikely. |
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What You'll Learn
Trump's stance on due process for immigrants
In a 2025 interview with NBC News' ""Meet the Press", Donald Trump refused to commit to upholding the US Constitution when asked about giving immigrants the right to due process. Trump's response was simply "I don't know". He went on to say that he was "not a lawyer" and that he was following the advice of lawyers in his administration as he tried to execute rapid deportations.
Despite the Supreme Court's rulings, the Trump administration has continued to face allegations of defying instructions from lower court judges and the Supreme Court. Administration officials have spoken out against constraints on their deportation efforts, including the requirement to allow immigrants the chance to appear before an immigration judge.
Trump's refusal to commit to upholding the Constitution and his ambiguity regarding due process rights for immigrants have sparked criticism and concerns about his commitment to the nation's founding document. His comments suggest that he views the Constitution as important only when it does not interfere with his political goals.
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Republicans silent on Trump's comments
During a televised interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday, President Trump was asked if he agreed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio that citizens and noncitizens in the United States were entitled to due process. Trump responded by saying, "I don't know." “I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know,” Trump replied. When interviewer Kristen Welker reminded him that the Fifth Amendment guarantees due process, Trump replied, "It seems—it might say that, but if you're talking about that, then we'd have to have a million or two million or three million trials."
Trump's comments sparked criticism from Democrats and experts, who viewed them as indicative of his disregard for constitutional boundaries. Despite this, Republicans have largely remained silent on the issue. Rolling Stone reached out to all 53 Republican senators for comment, but did not receive a single response. This silence stands in stark contrast to the hypothetical reaction if a Democratic president, such as Barack Obama or Joe Biden, had made similar comments.
While a few Republicans have attempted to defend Trump, claiming that the media is taking his comments out of context, the majority have chosen to avoid addressing the issue directly. This silence suggests that Republicans prioritize placating Trump over upholding the Constitution, which is considered a foundational document for conservatives.
Trump's dismissal of the Constitution is not an isolated incident. He has previously expressed interest in seeking a third term as president, which is prohibited by the 22nd Amendment. Additionally, he has mused about being "king" and staying in office beyond his constitutionally mandated term limit. Trump has also taken numerous blatantly unconstitutional actions since taking office, indicating a consistent pattern of disregarding constitutional boundaries.
The silence of Republicans in the face of Trump's comments and actions raises questions about their commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. It remains to be seen whether they will continue to prioritize party loyalty over their duty to defend the foundational principles of American democracy.
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Trump's deportation program
In an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press", President Trump said that he did not know whether it was his job to uphold the Constitution and was unsure if every person on American soil was entitled to due process. When pressed by interviewer Kristen Welker on the matter, Trump replied, "I don't know. I'm not a lawyer. I don't know."
Trump's comments came in the context of his administration's refusal to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man deported without due process, back from El Salvador, despite a 9-0 Supreme Court ruling mandating his return. Trump's mass deportation program has been a key component of his agenda, and he has promised to deport 15-20 million immigrants, a figure higher than the US government estimate of 11 million.
Trump's administration faces significant challenges in meeting his deportation goals, including limited detention space and removal capacity. Despite these obstacles, Trump's measures are designed to signal to his supporters that he is committed to his campaign promises and to deter undocumented immigration.
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Trump's third term
In May 2025, Donald Trump caused an uproar by refusing to commit to upholding the US Constitution. When asked if he needed to uphold the Constitution, Trump responded with "I don't know", sparking criticism and concerns about his commitment to the nation's founding document. This incident adds to a series of controversial statements and actions by Trump, including his ambiguous stance on seeking a third term.
While Trump has acknowledged strong support for a third term, he has also stated that it is not something he is actively pursuing. He recognizes that a third term is prohibited by the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution, passed in 1947. Trump has expressed his intention to focus on having a successful second term and then hand over the presidency to another Republican. However, his comments about a third term have sparked mixed reactions, with some interpreting them as a provocation to the political left.
Trump's refusal to commit to the Constitution is particularly concerning given his controversial deportation program, which has faced legal challenges. In the same interview where he expressed ambiguity about a third term, Trump wavered when asked if every person on American soil was entitled to due process, a right guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. He cited the logistical challenges of providing due process to millions of undocumented immigrants, stating that it would result in an unmanageable number of trials and slow down his mass deportation agenda.
Trump's ambiguity regarding a third term and his questionable commitment to the Constitution have raised concerns among Republicans and the public. While some supporters see his comments as a compliment to his presidency, others worry about the potential implications for the nation's foundational principles and the rule of law. Trump's inconsistent statements and noncommittal attitude toward upholding the Constitution have left many wondering about his true intentions and the potential consequences for the country's future.
As Trump's second term progresses, the discussion of a potential third term and his controversial policies will continue to fuel debates and shape the political landscape. While Trump has downplayed the idea of seeking another term, his ambiguous statements and unpredictable nature keep the public and his supporters guessing. The impact of his actions and policies during his remaining time in office will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions, shaping the course of American politics and the interpretation of the Constitution.
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Trump's territorial ambitions
In a 2025 interview with NBC's Kristen Welker, then-President Donald Trump was asked about his duties to uphold due process rights laid out in the US Constitution. Trump responded, "I don't know. I'm not a lawyer. I don't know." When Welker reminded him that the Fifth Amendment guarantees due process, Trump again said, "I don't know," and complained that adhering to that principle would slow down his mass deportation program.
Trump's comments sparked controversy, with some interpreting them as a refusal to commit to upholding the Constitution. Republicans largely avoided addressing the issue directly, and none of the 53 Republican senators contacted by Rolling Stone offered a response. Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, defended the president, claiming he is "one of the most knowledgeable presidents we've ever had."
Trump's statements about his territorial ambitions over Greenland and Canada further fueled concerns about his commitment to constitutional principles. He suggested that the US "needs" Greenland for "national and international security" and refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire it. While Trump played down the possibility of seeking a third term in office, which would be unconstitutional, he acknowledged that some supporters wanted him to, stating, "I don't know if that's constitutional that they're not allowing you to do it or anything else."
Trump's ambiguous stance on upholding the Constitution and his potential disregard for its limitations on his power raised questions about his commitment to the rule of law and democratic norms. His comments highlighted a tension between his political goals and the constraints imposed by the nation's founding document, with some critics arguing that he was prioritizing his agenda over constitutional obligations.
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Frequently asked questions
When asked about his duties to uphold due process rights laid out in the Constitution, Trump said, "I don't know."
While Trump didn't explicitly say "I don't care about the Constitution," his response of "I don't know" and his administration's actions indicate a lack of commitment to upholding it.
Trump's comments came during an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" when he was asked about his administration's refusal to bring back a man wrongfully deported and the right of due process for immigrants.
The media widely reported on Trump's comments, with some outlets calling out Republicans for their silence on the issue. Rolling Stone reached out to all 53 Republican senators, but none of them responded.
Yes, Jesse Watters from Fox News claimed that the media was taking Trump's comments out of context and described it as a "hoax." Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, also defended Trump, saying he is one of the most knowledgeable presidents.
