In the past 100 days, President Donald Trump’s administration has undertaken several actions that appear to challenge or potentially violate constitutional principles. Every American has a right and, I believe, an obligation, to support and the defend the Constitution against any threat or violation. Many of us have sworn an oath to do so. Here are eight examples that should concern every citizen, regardless of political affiliation.
1. Attempt to Suspend Habeas Corpus
The Trump administration is reportedly considering suspending the writ of habeas corpus to expedite deportations. This constitutional safeguard allows individuals to challenge unlawful detention in court and can only be suspended in cases of rebellion or invasion. The administration cites a supposed “invasion” by a Venezuelan gang as justification; however, multiple federal judges, including those appointed by Trump, have rejected this rationale. Legal scholars argue that such a suspension without a legitimate national emergency would be unconstitutional and politically motivated. ABC News+4Houston Chronicle+4The Guardian+4The Guardian
2. Executive Order to End Birthright Citizenship
President Trump signed an executive order aiming to restrict birthright citizenship, a right guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. Federal courts have blocked the order, deeming it “blatantly unconstitutional.” The case, consolidated under Trump v. CASA, is scheduled for Supreme Court review, focusing on the broader issue of nationwide injunctions rather than the constitutionality of the order itself. VoxWikipedia
3. Targeting of Dissent and Free Speech
The administration has faced criticism for actions perceived as targeting individuals for their political views. Notably, Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish Ph.D. student at Tufts University, was detained by ICE after co-authoring a pro-Palestinian op-ed. A federal judge ruled her detention violated her First Amendment and due process rights, highlighting concerns over the administration’s approach to dissent. Yahoo+3Time+3The Guardian+3
4. Undermining Judicial Independence
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has expressed alarm over the Trump administration’s attacks on the judiciary, including targeting law firms and federal judges. She warned of a looming constitutional crisis, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence and the rule of law. Axios
5. Withholding Congressionally Allocated Funds
California, along with 17 other states, has sued the Trump administration for allegedly violating the Constitution by withholding $5 billion in federal funds allocated for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The lawsuit contends that the administration’s actions undermine the separation of powers by disregarding congressional appropriations. Inside Climate News
6. Massive Government Overhaul and Firings
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s sweeping overhaul of the federal government, which included mass layoffs and restructuring. The court’s intervention suggests potential constitutional issues related to the separation of powers and the proper role of the executive branch. NPR
7. Erosion of Due Process Rights
In a recent interview, President Trump expressed uncertainty about the necessity of upholding constitutional due process rights for immigrants, stating, “I don’t know” when asked about the issue. Such statements have raised concerns among legal experts about the administration’s commitment to constitutional protections. The Guardian
8. Proliferation of Legal Challenges
Since returning to office, the Trump administration has faced over 220 lawsuits in its first 100 days, challenging various executive orders and actions. This unprecedented volume of litigation reflects widespread concern over potential constitutional violations and executive overreach. ABC News+1Campaign Legal Center+1
Conclusion
While not all actions by the Trump administration have been definitively ruled unconstitutional, the pattern of behavior—ranging from attempts to suspend fundamental rights to targeting dissent—has raised serious constitutional concerns. Ongoing legal challenges and court rulings will continue to shape the understanding and limits of executive power in the coming months. However, these threats should not be left to lawyers and courts alone. Every single American has a right and an obligation to speak up in defense of the Constitution. We do not need to discuss or insult individuals. We do not need to point fingers. We do not need to be divisive.
We just need to stand up, individually and together, as strong and proud Americans to support and defend the Constitution.
I support and defend the Constitution.
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Stoneking Strategic Communications (SSC) 