President Donald Trump raised eyebrows in a recent interview by admitting uncertainty about whether he is required to follow the U.S. Constitution as he pushes forward with plans for mass deportations.
The comments came during a wide-ranging conversation on NBC’s Meet the Press, where he was asked if noncitizens in the U.S. are entitled to due process under the law.
Rather than give a direct answer, Trump said he didn’t know and noted that he isn’t a lawyer. The Fifth Amendment guarantees due process rights to all “persons,” not just citizens, a principle the Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed. Still, Trump suggested that applying these rights to large numbers of undocumented immigrants would slow down his administration’s enforcement goals.
He explained that giving hearings to millions of people would be impractical and defended his position by referring to criminal elements among those he aims to deport. When pressed further on whether he, as president, must uphold the Constitution, Trump repeated that he would defer to the legal team working for him. He claimed they would follow the law as interpreted by the Supreme Court but also questioned the Court’s ruling in a recent case, saying his understanding was different from what was reported.
Trump pointed to a 9-0 Supreme Court decision involving a wrongfully deported individual. While the Court ordered his return, Trump suggested the ruling was favorable to his administration — a view that contradicts the legal reality but reflects the narrative pushed by some of his advisers.
The president’s remarks come amid a broader effort to reshape immigration policy during his second term. His plan includes deporting millions of undocumented individuals, a move that raises legal and logistical questions around due process and constitutional protections.
The interview also revisited the topic of a possible third presidential term. Speculation has been fueled by comments from Trump allies and merchandise promoting a 2028 run. Despite these signals, Trump insisted he does not intend to seek a third term and said eight years is enough. He named several Republicans he believes could continue his political legacy, signaling he plans to pass the baton after his current term ends.
Trump used the conversation to defend his handling of the economy, brushing off concerns about slowing growth and rising trade tensions. He claimed that any negative trends could be blamed on the previous administration, while crediting himself for economic highs. Though some economists have warned of a looming recession, Trump downplayed those concerns and predicted the economy would rebound strongly.
As his second term unfolds, Trump faces growing scrutiny over his policy moves, especially those that test the boundaries of legal norms. His comments on constitutional limits and Supreme Court rulings suggest a leadership style that continues to challenge traditional expectations — even as he insists that his administration will stay within the law, as defined by his advisers.