Ava DuVernay announces ’14th,’ new documentary on birthright amendment contested by Trump
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-16 19:13:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Attacks Supreme Court Ruling Upholding 14th Amendment Protections
Donald Trump has renewed his campaign against birthright citizenship, sharply criticizing the Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship for anyone born in the United States. Following the Court’s 6-3 ruling striking down his executive order that would have heavily restricted birthright citizenship, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “This miscarriage of justice will destroy America if they don’t change their absolutely insane decision.”
Legal Assault on the 14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, states that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Trump has made the amendment a prominent target, attempting to limit its protections through executive action. On the first day of his second term, he signed an order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship, a move that was ultimately blocked by the Supreme Court.
Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims
Trump’s assertion that upholding the 14th Amendment will “destroy America” stands in stark contrast to the historical and legal consensus. The amendment was designed to guarantee liberty and rights to formerly enslaved people and to ensure equal citizenship. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, reaffirmed that the amendment’s protections are clear, stating that citizenship means “the right to have rights — to freely participate in our political community.”
Ongoing Attacks and Public Response
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, Trump has vowed to continue contesting the ruling. His persistent attacks on the 14th Amendment and the judiciary highlight his ongoing efforts to reshape longstanding constitutional protections. The controversy has drawn renewed attention, including from filmmaker Ava DuVernay, whose upcoming Netflix documentary “14th” will examine the amendment’s legacy and the current debates surrounding its meaning.
Conclusion
Trump’s campaign against birthright citizenship and his disparagement of the Supreme Court’s decision underscore a broader pattern of attacking foundational legal principles. As the nation debates the future of the 14th Amendment, the facts remain: the amendment was established to secure rights for all people born in the United States, and the Supreme Court has upheld that promise. Trump’s rhetoric and actions continue to fuel controversy over one of the Constitution’s most important guarantees.