Seattle, Washington — In a decisive legal move, a federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at rescinding birthright citizenship in the United States.
Senior U.S. District Judge John Coughenour issued a nationwide temporary restraining order on Thursday, halting the executive action for at least 14 days while lawsuits challenging its constitutionality proceed.
“This is a blatantly unconstitutional order,” Judge Coughenour declared from the bench. “I’ve been on the bench for over four decades, and I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one.”
The legal challenge was spearheaded by Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, who filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration shortly after the order was issued. Joined by Oregon, Illinois, and Arizona, the states argue that the executive order violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
“This is an unconstitutional, un-American, and cruel attempt to redefine what it means to be an American,” Brown stated during a news conference.
The 14th Amendment grants citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” The Trump administration contends that this provision has always excluded children born to parents who are in the country illegally, arguing they are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States.
If enforced, the executive order would prevent approximately 150,000 babies born each year nationwide—including about 4,000 in Washington State—from obtaining U.S. citizenship, according to court filings by Brown.
The Justice Department argues that the states lack standing to sue, asserting that “birth in the United States does not by itself entitle a person to citizenship.” Government lawyers claim that historical evidence shows children of non-resident aliens are “subject to foreign powers” and thus not constitutionally guaranteed birthright citizenship.
This ruling marks the first legal setback for the executive order amid a series of lawsuits filed across the country. Legal experts anticipate that the matter may ultimately reach the Supreme Court for a final decision.
For now, Judge Coughenour’s injunction maintains the status quo, ensuring that birthright citizenship remains in effect as the courts continue to examine the order’s legality.
