A federal judge in Seattle has delivered a sharp rebuke to Donald Trump, ruling that his attempt to curb birthright citizenship is unconstitutional and represents a blatant disregard for the rule of law. The judge, John Coughenour, issued a nationwide injunction, halting enforcement of Trump’s executive order, which sought to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. if neither parent was a citizen or lawful resident.
Coughenour, appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, didn’t mince words, declaring that Trump views the rule of law as an obstacle to be ignored when it conflicts with his political ambitions. His ruling follows a similar decision from a Maryland court, with additional legal challenges pending in other states.
The lawsuit was brought by several Democratic-led states, including Washington and Illinois, along with expectant mothers directly impacted by the order. They argued that Trump’s directive violates the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil.
In response, the Trump administration has already filed an appeal, signaling a likely showdown in higher courts. Government lawyers insist that existing interpretations of the 14th Amendment are flawed, but Coughenour firmly rejected that argument, stating that no executive order can override constitutional protections.
As multiple legal battles unfold, the ruling underscores a broader fight over immigration policy and presidential authority. With courts continuing to intervene, the fate of Trump’s controversial order now rests in the hands of appellate judges.
