Former President Donald Trump is under fire for comments made on his Truth Social platform, where he appeared to dismiss constitutional protections in support of his hardline immigration policy. Legal experts and civil rights advocates are raising serious concerns over his rhetoric and actions, which some argue directly violate the U.S. Constitution.
Trump Invokes Alien Enemies Act to Justify Mass Deportations
In a controversial move, Trump is attempting to use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a wartime-era law last notably used during World War II internments, to carry out mass deportations of non-U.S. citizens. This rarely used statute allows the government to detain or deport nationals of hostile nations during times of conflict.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court gave Trump the green light to apply the legislation in his immigration agenda. This decision enables the government to bypass traditional court procedures when deporting individuals accused of criminal activity—such as alleged members of gangs like MS-13 or Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua—raising red flags about the denial of due process rights.
Trump’s Comments Spark Constitutional Concerns
Despite the Court’s conditional approval, justices emphasized that individuals targeted for removal must be given the opportunity to challenge their deportation. Trump, however, posted a statement that appears to reject this legal safeguard.
“We cannot give everyone a trial,” Trump stated, adding, “Such a thing is not possible to do,” and warning that “we are not going to have a Country any longer” if these deportations are not executed swiftly.
Legal scholars point out that this stance contradicts the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees all persons—regardless of citizenship—due process of law, including notice and a hearing before being deprived of life, liberty, or property.
Legal Experts Accuse Trump of Violating Presidential Oath
On Reddit’s legal forum, legal analysts argue that Trump’s rhetoric “openly dismisses a foundational constitutional protection.” They note this could be a direct violation of the presidential oath outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, which mandates the president to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.”
“Allowing a president to reject constitutional rights sets a dangerous precedent,” one legal commentator wrote, suggesting this could be grounds for impeachment and removal from office.
Deportations Already Underway Despite Legal Objections
Despite the controversy, hundreds of deportations have already occurred under this legal framework. Reports indicate that at least 261 individuals accused of gang ties have been deported to facilities such as El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison, even though a lower court had previously attempted to block their removal.
Trump continued to defend his actions online, claiming his administration is being obstructed by the legal system and even the Supreme Court. He praised Justice Samuel Alito for supporting the removal of deportation restrictions and reiterated his slogan: “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”