Malcolm Rivera
During his presidency, Donald Trump sparked controversy by expressing uncertainty over whether he was bound by the US Constitution. In an interview, Trump stated that he did not know if he needed to uphold the Constitution when dealing with migrants, citing that he would follow the advice of his lawyers. This statement caused concern as it indicated a potential disregard for the rule of law and the protection of individual rights, which are fundamental principles of the US Constitution. Trump's comments highlight a larger issue of constitutional interpretation and the potential consequences when those in power selectively enforce or ignore constitutional provisions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Uncertainty about upholding the Constitution | Trump said he doesn't "know" if he needs to uphold the Constitution when dealing with migrants. |
| Ambitions over Greenland and Canada | Trump said he doesn't believe it's legal for him to seek another term, but he doesn't "rule it out". |
| Deportation of immigrants without due process | Trump's administration has pressed the courts to allow the immediate removal of immigrants, without giving them a chance to plead their case before a judge. |
| Detention of Americans by immigration authorities | Trump's administration has mistakenly detained Americans, and he doesn't think they need to carry paperwork to prove their status. |
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What You'll Learn
Trump's deportation agenda and due process
The United States Constitution, drafted in 1787, is one of the most revered documents in the country's history. It has been well-preserved and enjoyed a serene existence over more than 200 years. The Constitution establishes legislative powers, outlines the role of the President, and guarantees certain rights to the people, including due process.
However, the Trump administration's aggressive deportation agenda has raised concerns about its commitment to following the Constitution. In his first 100 days, Trump reshaped the US immigration system, with sweeping changes to enforcement, border security, legal immigration, humanitarian protection, and foreign policy.
Trump has threatened "mass deportations" of immigrants, intending to use an expansion of the "expedited removal" program, along with raids in neighborhoods and workplaces. The expedited removal process allows immigration officers to quickly deport individuals without due process if they have been in the country for less than two years and entered without immigration documents. This has sparked fears among employers, with a decline in commerce in immigrant-rich neighborhoods, and drawn criticism from immigrant and civil rights advocates.
Trump's deportation agenda has faced at least 50 multi-plaintiff legal challenges, with several cases reaching the Supreme Court. Despite this, Trump has shown a questionable commitment to due process, stating in a TV interview that he "didn't know" if every person on American soil was entitled to due process, as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. His comments caused concern, especially given the legal challenges to his administration's agenda and his failure to adhere to Supreme Court rulings.
The Trump administration's actions and statements regarding deportation and due process highlight a tension between the ideals enshrined in the Constitution and the reality of their implementation. While the Constitution guarantees certain rights and freedoms, the challenge lies in ensuring that those in power uphold and respect these principles in practice.
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Trump's territorial ambitions over Greenland and Canada
In the context of 'has an excellent constitution but they don't follow it', Trump's territorial ambitions over Greenland and Canada reflect a broader trend of using US power to redefine America's role on the global stage. Trump's ambitions have raised concerns about the potential use of economic pressure or military force to achieve these territorial gains, which has drawn criticism from allies and highlights the aggressive nature of his geopolitical ambitions.
Trump's interest in Greenland and Canada stems from a combination of strategic, economic, and geopolitical factors. Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, has been a foreign policy priority for the Trump administration. With its vast natural resources and strategic location in the Arctic, acquiring Greenland would provide the United States with greater access to critical minerals, oil, and gas, as well as a stronger position in global energy markets and a technological edge through access to rare earth elements. Additionally, the presence of an American military base in Greenland underscores its military significance.
Canada, on the other hand, is the second-largest country globally and shares an extensive border with the United States. Trump has described this border as an "artificially drawn line" hindering economic integration. By incorporating Canada as the 51st state, the United States would expand its territory and potentially gain access to additional resources. Trump has also suggested that Canada benefits significantly from its relationship with the US, citing subsidies and trade imbalances.
However, Trump's ambitions face significant obstacles. Denmark and Canada have strongly opposed Trump's plans, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterating that "Greenland is not for sale." Greenland itself has been pursuing greater independence from Denmark and has expressed a desire for closer ties with Canada and the EU. Legal hurdles and international opposition further complicate Trump's ambitions.
Despite the criticism and resistance, Trump's territorial ambitions highlight a shift in US foreign policy and a willingness to challenge the global order. The potential implications for geopolitics and international relations are significant, and they underscore the need for a careful assessment of Trump's actions and their potential impact on global stability and alliances.
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Trump's threat to Harvard University's tax-exempt status
In May 2025, US President Donald Trump announced his plans to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status, stating, "We are going to be taking away Harvard's Tax Exempt Status. It's what they deserve!". This decision was part of his administration's broader attack on elite universities and a response to the previous year's anti-Israel unrest on campuses across the country. Harvard University pushed back, stating that the move would be an unlawful misuse of the US tax code and an unprecedented action that would endanger its educational mission.
Harvard's tax-exempt status, which is common among universities, allows the institution to forgo certain taxes and enables donors to make tax-deductible donations. The revocation of this status could result in diminished financial aid for students, the abandonment of critical medical research programs, and lost opportunities for innovation. Harvard's endowment, which amounted to $53.2 billion as of the 2024 fiscal year, already faces a 1.4% excise tax on its endowments due to a 2017 law.
Legal experts and free-speech advocacy groups have expressed concerns about Trump's threat, suggesting that it could create problems for the IRS. The IRS would face significant challenges in revoking Harvard's tax-exempt status, and any move to do so would likely focus on the administration's claims that the university has a record of antisemitism and has not discontinued diversity, equity, and inclusion programs as demanded by the government. However, Trump's public statements about the matter may complicate the process, as there are laws barring the president and other government officials from directing the IRS to investigate taxpayers.
The US Constitution, while excellent in its design, faces challenges when those in power selectively interpret or disregard it. Trump's actions, such as his threat to Harvard's tax status and his ambiguous stance on upholding the Constitution, highlight the importance of adhering to the principles and rules laid out in this foundational document.
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Trump's lawyers and their interpretation of the Supreme Court
In an interview with NBC's Meet the Press, US President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty when asked if he needed to uphold the Constitution as president. Trump's response was:
> "I don't know. I have to respond by saying, again, I have brilliant lawyers that work for me, and they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said."
Trump's remarks come just over 100 days after he swore an oath to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." During his presidency, Trump has repeatedly claimed that the Supreme Court ruled in his favour, despite evidence to the contrary.
Trump's lawyers have asked the Supreme Court to refrain from intervening in the dispute over his immunity from prosecution. The former president has argued that he has absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for actions performed within the "outer perimeter" of his official responsibility during his term. He has also asserted that double jeopardy principles and the Impeachment Judgment Clause in the US Constitution barred his prosecution. The district court rejected these claims, stating that there was no textual, historical, or structural support in the Constitution for presidential immunity from criminal prosecution.
The Supreme Court's decision to engage with Trump's claims of absolute immunity holds significant implications for the nation. The court's public approval rating is already at its lowest in decades, and its ideological split on various issues has raised doubts about its non-partisan status.
Trump's interpretation of the Supreme Court's rulings appears to be influenced by his legal team's advice. However, his uncertainty about upholding the Constitution and his claims of absolute immunity have sparked concerns about his commitment to the nation's foundational document.
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Trump's dismissal of running for a third term
In an interview with NBC's Meet the Press, US President Donald Trump denied that he is considering a third presidential term, a move that experts agree is banned under the US Constitution. Trump, 78, has previously stated that he was "not joking" about wanting to serve a third, or even fourth, term as US president. However, he later claimed that these statements were intended to troll the "fake news media".
Trump's company, The Trump Organization, has been selling "Trump 2028" hats, fuelling speculation that he may seek to remain in office after his second term ends in January 2029. In the interview, Trump stated that he has received numerous "requests" from people asking him to consider seeking a third term. However, he listed Republicans who could take his place, including Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump acknowledged that seeking a third term may not be constitutional, citing the 22nd Amendment, which states that "no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice". Changing the Constitution would require approval from two-thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as three-quarters of state-level governments. Despite this, some Trump supporters suggest there is an untested loophole in the Constitution.
While Trump has dismissed the idea of a third term, his hints and teases about such a possibility have sparked concern among Americans, with polls indicating that most do not want him to seek another term.
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Frequently asked questions
In an interview with NBC's Meet the Press, Trump said he didn't "know" if he needed to uphold the Constitution when dealing with migrants. He added that he would follow what his lawyers said and take it to court if needed.
Trump's comments came as he pursued a mass deportation strategy, which critics argued undermined due process rights for migrants.
Just over 100 days before the interview, Trump swore an oath to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" when he took his Oath of Office.
Trump argued that giving immigrants due process was time-consuming and that his priority was to carry out rapid deportations, which he claimed were necessary to protect US citizens from dangerous individuals.
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