Supreme Court rejects Trump’s attempt to limit birthright citizenship

The administration sought to upend the historical understanding of the 14th Amendment, which has long been interpreted to broadly extend the right.

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked President Donald Trump’s contentious attempt to limit citizenship at birth for those born on U.S. soil, delivering a major blow to his agenda.

Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription

Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.

The court, divided 6-3, ruled that the executive order Trump issued Jan. 20, 2025, the first day of his second term, was unlawful. Five justices said the order fell afoul of the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which has long been interpreted to bestow birthright citizenship on almost anyone born in the U.S.

One justice, conservative Brett Kavanaugh, said the order violated federal law but not the Constitution.