Senator Mike Lee Criticizes NBC News Over Birthright Citizenship Coverage
Republican Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has publicly criticized NBC News for its handling of President-elect Donald Trump’s comments on birthright citizenship. Lee accused the network of misrepresenting the 14th Amendment during Trump’s appearance on Meet the Press, suggesting that the selective coverage distorted the discussion on Trump’s proposed executive action to end birthright citizenship.
Trump’s Remarks on Birthright Citizenship
During his Meet the Press interview, Trump labeled birthright citizenship as “ridiculous” and pledged to terminate it on his first day in office. Host Kristen Welker challenged this assertion, citing 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 arguing that the U.S. is unique in granting birthright citizenship and emphasized the urgency of ending the policy. His comments sparked widespread debate, with supporters and critics presenting differing interpretations of the 14th Amendment.
Lee’s Defense of Constitutional Context
Senator Lee took to social media to delve into the constitutional debate surrounding birthright citizenship. He highlighted the importance of the phrase “and subject to the jurisdiction thereof” in the 14th Amendment, asserting that these words are essential for understanding the amendment’s intent.
“Congress has the power to define what it means to be born in the United States ‘and subject to the jurisdiction thereof,’” Lee wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He suggested that Congress could legislate to exclude children of illegal immigrants from automatic citizenship, aligning with constitutional principles.
Lee also accused Meet the Press of omitting these critical words, framing the issue as settled when it remains open for interpretation. “It’s disappointing that @MeetThePress, historically regarded as America’s top Sunday political program, has taken such a biased approach,” Lee said.
Broader Criticism of NBC News
Lee’s critique extended beyond the interview, arguing that NBC News’ selective omission of key constitutional language misled viewers by portraying the 14th Amendment as unequivocally supporting birthright citizenship.
“In this case, @MeetThePress appears to render a debatable issue as beyond debate by selectively excluding pivotal constitutional language,” Lee concluded. He stressed the importance of balanced discussions on complex legal and societal issues.
NBC News has not commented on the controversy or addressed whether the omission was intentional.
Trump’s Vision for Unity
Despite the heated discussion on birthright citizenship, Trump also shared his aspirations for national unity during his second term. Asked about his plans for his inaugural address, Trump expressed optimism:
“It will be a message of unity. Success brings unity. Making our country safe and keeping those who don’t belong out—it’s all about bringing our country together.”
Ongoing Debate
The debate over birthright citizenship remains divisive, with strong arguments on both sides. Proponents of Trump’s plan argue that Congress has the authority to redefine “jurisdiction,” while opponents contend that such a move would require a constitutional amendment.
As Trump prepares to take office, the controversy is expected to intensify, influencing immigration policy, constitutional interpretation, and the broader political landscape.