Republican U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has publicly called out NBC News for its recent coverage of President-elect Donald Trump’s remarks on birthright citizenship. Lee accused the network of selectively presenting portions of the 14th Amendment during Trump’s interview on Meet the Press, thereby skewing the discussion about his plans to end birthright citizenship through executive action.
Trump’s Comments on Birthright Citizenship
During his appearance on Meet the Press, Trump described birthright citizenship as “ridiculous” and vowed to terminate it on his first day in office. Host Kristen Welker challenged the assertion, referencing the 14th Amendment:
“The 14th Amendment states all persons in the United States are citizens. Can you get around the 14th Amendment with executive action?”
Trump responded by claiming that the U.S. is the only country granting birthright citizenship and emphasizing the need to end the policy. However, this statement prompted significant debate, with critics and supporters offering differing interpretations of the 14th Amendment’s wording.
Sen. Lee’s Defense of the 14th Amendment
Sen. Mike Lee took to social media to elaborate on the constitutional basis for debating birthright citizenship. Highlighting a key phrase in the amendment, Lee emphasized the importance of the words “and subject to the jurisdiction thereof”. He argued that these words are critical to understanding the constitutional framework and should not be omitted in discussions.
“Congress has the power to define what it means to be born in the United States ‘and subject to the jurisdiction thereof,’” Lee wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He explained that Congress could potentially pass legislation excluding individuals born to illegal immigrants from being granted automatic citizenship, a move he believes aligns with constitutional text.
Lee accused Meet the Press of omitting these key words, thereby presenting the issue as settled and beyond debate. “It bothers me that @MeetThePress, long revered as America’s leading Sunday political news program, has become so one-sided,” he stated.
Criticism of NBC’s Approach
Lee’s critique extended to NBC’s broader handling of the discussion. He argued that the omission of significant constitutional language created a misleading narrative, making it seem as though the 14th Amendment unequivocally guarantees birthright citizenship to everyone born in the U.S.
“In this instance, @MeetThePress seems to try to render a debatable matter beyond debate by selectively omitting key words from the Constitution,”Lee concluded. He underscored the importance of having a balanced and comprehensive discussion on issues with significant legal and societal implications.
NBC News has not commented on whether the omission was intentional.
Trump’s Broader Vision for Unity
Despite the controversy over birthright citizenship, the interview also touched on Trump’s vision for his second term. When asked about his upcoming inaugural address, Trump expressed hope that it would serve as a unifying moment for the country.
“It’s going to be a message of unity, and I think success brings unity,” Trump said. “Making our country safe and keeping people that shouldn’t be in our country out… it’s going to be about bringing our country together.”
Debate Continues
The discussion around birthright citizenship remains contentious, with strong opinions on both sides of the political aisle. While proponents of Trump’s plan argue that it is within Congress’s authority to redefine jurisdiction, opponents assert that any attempt to end birthright citizenship would require a constitutional amendment.
As Trump prepares to take office, the debate is likely to intensify, with implications for immigration policy, constitutional interpretation, and the broader political landscape.
