Trump to sit in on Supreme Court hearing on effort to limit birthright citizenship

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump plans to attend Wednesday’s Supreme Court hearing on his effort to limit birthright citizenship, making him the first sitting president to sit in on oral arguments at the nation’s highest court.

What we know:

The White House included a stop at the Supreme Court on Trump’s official schedule, where justices will consider his appeal of a lower court ruling that struck down his executive order restricting birthright citizenship.

Trump signed the order on the first day of his second term, declaring that children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily are not U.S. citizens. 

President Donald J. Trump boards Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida on Monday, March 23, 2026, en route Memphis, Tennessee. (White House photo by Molly Riley)

The change departed from the long‑held view that the 14th Amendment and federal law give citizenship to nearly everyone born on American soil, with limited exceptions.

It is not the first time Trump has weighed attending a high court hearing. Last year, he said he wanted to be present for arguments over whether he exceeded federal law with his sweeping tariffs but ultimately decided his presence would be a distraction.

On Tuesday, Trump seemed more certain about attending the birthright citizenship hearing, telling reporters in the Oval Office, “I’m going.” When asked to confirm he planned to go in person, he added, “I think so, I do believe.”

Trump previously visited the court during his first term for the ceremonial swearing‑in of Justice Neil Gorsuch, the first justice he appointed. 

Trump to sit in on Supreme Court hearing on effort to limit birthright citizenship (Donald J. Trump / @realDonaldTrump)

Two other justices he appointed, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, also sit on the bench.

The citizenship restrictions are part of Trump’s broader immigration agenda, but they remain blocked nationwide by multiple court orders.

The high court is expected to hear arguments at 10 a.m.  A ruling from the Supreme Court is expected by early summer.