Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, May 4: In a wide-ranging interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, former President Donald Trump raised questions about the Constitution’s due process protections for immigrants, suggesting that fulfilling his campaign promise for mass deportations could supersede the need for individuals to have their day in court.

Trump’s comments come amid ongoing legal battles over his administration’s push for a "largest deportation operation" in US history. The administration has sought to expedite deportations of alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, using a controversial 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which allows for swift removals during wartime. The law has sparked opposition due to its bypassing of traditional due process rights.

When asked by Meet the Press host Kristen Welker if he agreed that every person in the US is entitled to due process, Trump, who is not a lawyer, expressed doubt. "I don’t know. I’m not, I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know," he responded, adding that deporting millions of immigrants would overwhelm the legal system.

Trump argued that he was elected to remove "the worst people on Earth," including criminals and gang members, swiftly. “I was elected to get them the hell out of here, and the courts are holding me from doing it,” he said. This comment contradicts the Fifth Amendment, which guarantees due process for all persons, not just US citizens.

The US Supreme Court has already ruled that deportation decisions must adhere to due process, which includes allowing individuals the chance to appear before an immigration judge, not necessarily a full trial. Despite this, the Trump administration has continued to pursue expedited removals, particularly in high-profile cases like that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man erroneously deported, whose case is still under litigation.

Legal experts warn that Trump's stance on circumventing due process raises significant constitutional concerns. The Supreme Court has ruled against the administration's methods several times, including halting the deportation of individuals without a chance to challenge their status in court.

In the interview, Trump also stated his reliance on Attorney General Pam Bondi and his legal team to navigate the situation. He noted, “I have brilliant lawyers that work for me,” implying that his administration would follow the law, but only as advised by his legal counsel.

As the legal battle over mass deportations continues, some in the Trump camp are considering asking the Supreme Court for further clarification on the term ‘facilitate,’ as it pertains to deportation processes.

The former president also addressed broader issues, including his plans to challenge Harvard University’s tax-exempt status, a move that has sparked additional controversy over the separation of powers and the president's authority. Trump asserted that his actions are guided by his legal team, adding, "I’m going to just follow what the lawyers say."

Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration reform is likely to fuel further legal challenges, as his administration presses for changes to longstanding protections for noncitizens.