Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order, Calling It "Blatantly Unconstitutional"

A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.” The decision came Thursday from Judge John Coughenour, a Ronald Reagan appointee, who issued a temporary restraining order halting the policy for 14 days to allow further legal briefings.

The request for the emergency order was brought by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and three other Democratic-led states, who argued that the executive order violates the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. The amendment guarantees citizenship to all children born on U.S. soil “and subject to the jurisdiction thereof.”

Judge Coughenour expressed strong criticism of the order, questioning its legal foundation and the judgment of those who advised the president. “I can’t remember another case where the question presented was as clear,” the judge remarked. He further stated that it “boggled” his mind that legal professionals would defend the constitutionality of the order.

During the hearing, Lane Polozola, an attorney for Washington, emphasized the immediate harm caused by the order, stating, “Babies are being born today with a cloud cast over their citizenship.” Polozola argued that the policy would inflict long-term harm on children denied citizenship and burden states financially by cutting those children off from federal benefits.

The Trump administration, represented by Justice Department attorney Brett Shumate, defended the order, citing the 14th Amendment’s clause “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” as grounds to exclude the children of undocumented immigrants and others lacking permanent legal status. Shumate urged the court to avoid a hasty decision, requesting more time for detailed briefing on the policy.

The restraining order temporarily halts implementation of the executive order while the legal challenge continues. Further hearings and decisions will determine the order’s fate.