Trump questions due process in US as deportation plans face court challenges

Trump's controversial remarks cast doubt on constitutional rights while defending his immigration and economic agenda.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media on the South Lawn of the White House after arriving on Marine One in Washington, DC, on May 4, 2025. Photo by Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

U.S. President Donald Trump sparked fresh controversy during a televised interview on Sunday, openly questioning whether due process applies to all individuals residing in the United States—citizens and non-citizens alike. The comments, made in an NBC interview, come at a pivotal moment as Trump’s proposed mass deportation campaign encounters serious legal hurdles rooted in constitutional protections.

Trump’s remarks raised alarm among legal experts, civil rights groups, and political observers, especially given his position as the leading Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential election. His statement, “I don’t know, I’m not a lawyer,” in response to whether everyone deserves due process under the Constitution, was met with immediate backlash. He elaborated, “We have thousands of people… some of the worst people on Earth… and I was elected to get them the hell out of here and the courts are holding me from doing it.”

Courts block Trump’s immigration agenda

The president’s plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants—a central pillar of his reelection platform—has encountered stiff resistance in the judiciary. Courts across the country have ruled in favor of individuals and advocacy groups challenging the legality of Trump’s proposed detentions and expulsions. These rulings often cite the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, which guarantee due process to all persons within U.S. jurisdiction.

Despite these constitutional safeguards, Trump appeared to cast doubt on their legitimacy, stating, “I have brilliant lawyers that work for me, and they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said,” when asked again about his stance on upholding the Constitution.

Third term speculation resurfaces

During the same interview, Trump was once again asked whether he would consider a third presidential term—an idea he has previously floated despite its clear unconstitutionality. While he said he was not actively pursuing a third term, he added, “So many people want me to do it. I have never had requests so strong as that. But it’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do.”

The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits any individual from being elected to the presidency more than twice. Nonetheless, Trump’s repeated musings on the topic have stoked fears among critics who view them as evidence of his authoritarian leanings.

Trump defends tariffs and Fed policies

Beyond immigration and constitutional law, Trump used the interview to tout his economic policies and deflect criticism over the nation’s economic performance. Echoing campaign rhetoric, he said, “I think the good parts are the Trump economy and the bad parts are the Biden economy,” blaming current GDP stagnation on his successor, President Joe Biden.

In response to concerns that his proposed trade policies—particularly sweeping tariffs—could fuel inflation and hurt growth, Trump offered little reassurance. Still, he dismissed speculation that he might prematurely oust Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whose term extends until 2026.

“I get to change him very quickly anyway. You know, it’s in a very short period of time,” Trump said, reaffirming his desire for lower interest rates without suggesting any immediate move to remove Powell.

Trump doubles down on Canada as 51st state

In another striking portion of the interview, Trump renewed his proposal to annex Canada as the 51st U.S. state. The suggestion came days after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney secured reelection, largely on a platform opposing Trump’s economic and geopolitical tactics.

Asked whether he would raise the topic during Carney’s upcoming visit to Washington, Trump replied, “I always talk about that.” He claimed the U.S. subsidizes Canada “to the tune of $200 billion a year,” adding, “If Canada was a state, it wouldn’t cost us. It would be great… it would be a cherished state.”

While he said it was “highly unlikely” that the United States would use military force to absorb Canada, Trump was less hesitant about Greenland—a long-standing interest of his regarding U.S. territorial expansion. “I don’t say I’m going to do it, but I don’t rule out anything,” he said. “We need Greenland very badly.”

Legal experts warn of consequences

Legal scholars swiftly reacted to Trump’s suggestion that he may not honor due process guarantees. Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law professor at Harvard, called Trump’s remarks “deeply troubling,” warning that “undermining due process is tantamount to undermining the rule of law itself.”

Civil rights advocates echoed these concerns. “Due process is not optional—it is foundational,” said Anthony Romero, executive director of the ACLU. “Any leader who cannot commit to upholding the Constitution has no business being in the Oval Office.”

Political impact ahead of 2024 election

Trump’s remarks may energize his base but could alienate independent voters and constitutional conservatives who view the rule of law as inviolable. With court battles looming over immigration, election procedures, and Trump’s own legal liabilities, his statements are likely to remain central to the political discourse leading up to November 2024.

The question now confronting the nation is whether a candidate who openly questions the application of constitutional protections to all people—citizens and non-citizens alike—can garner enough support to return to the presidency. As Trump’s legal and political challenges continue to unfold, his words are certain to reverberate across courtrooms and campaign rallies alike.