Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the national debate over birthright citizenship, saying he does not fault President Donald Trump for attending Supreme Court oral arguments on the issue.
Smith argued Thursday on “Straight Shooter” that the Supreme Court appearance aligned with a major issue central to his political messaging, discussing criticism that Trump has faced over his focus and priorities while in office.
“When the president walked into the Supreme Court to attend oral arguments, I’m here to tell you, ladies and gentlemen, I don’t blame him,” Smith said. “He’s been accused of not paying attention to stuff that’s happening on our home soil.”
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Smith suggested the issue resonates with a significant portion of the electorate and serves as a strategic point of engagement, framing the move as a calculated political decision tied to voter concerns.
“You want to do something politically expedient to your benefit. If you’re President Donald Trump, this is the fight you fight, because millions of Americans follow with him on this issue,” Smith said.
Smith commented on the issue as the Supreme Court considers questions over the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which establishes citizenship for those born in the United States.
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Pointing to the constitutional foundation of the debate, Smith referenced the language of the amendment and its role in shaping current law.
“And the reason why it’s an issue that’s important to tackle is because remember what the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution states,” he said. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.”
Smith underscored the prevailing legal interpretation of automatic citizenship for those born on U.S. soil, emphasizing how that language has been applied in practice.
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“Meaning if you are born on U.S. soil, you are a U.S. citizen automatically. Automatically,” Smith said. “Here’s the part that we have to ask ourselves, and this is where the conversation gets uncomfortable. Do you believe in birthright citizenship as an American citizen?”
Smith narrowed the discussion to a specific immigration-related scenario that has become central to the broader policy debate.
“Do you believe that somebody that crosses our borders illegally, to give birth on American soil, that their children, their newborn should automatically be an American citizen?” Smith asked.
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While acknowledging the current constitutional interpretation, Smith distinguished between what is legally established and what he framed as an open question for public consideration.
“According to the United States Constitution, there is no argument there,” he said. “What I’m asking you is, is it right? Should it happen?”
