U.S. President Donald Trump said in a television interview aired Sunday that he does not know whether he is obligated to uphold the U.S. Constitution as president.
Speaking to NBC’s Meet the Press host Kristen Welker, Trump was asked directly if he believes he must uphold the supreme law of the land. “I don’t know,” he responded.
When pressed on whether both citizens and non-citizens are entitled to due process, as guaranteed by the Constitution, Trump again deflected: “I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know.”
The president’s comments come amid criticism of his administration’s aggressive immigration policies, including deportations of undocumented migrants, some reportedly carried out without court hearings. Trump has defended the moves as necessary due to what he describes as a “national emergency.”
Trump also addressed speculation over a possible third term—an idea he has raised repeatedly despite its clear prohibition under the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice,” the amendment states.
In March, Trump claimed he was “not joking” about the possibility of seeking a third term, suggesting vaguely that there are “methods” to make it happen. Legal experts have dismissed such claims, noting that any constitutional amendment would require a two-thirds vote in both chambers of Congress and ratification by 38 of the 50 state legislatures.
However, Trump told NBC he was not actively pursuing a third term. “This is not something I’m looking to do,” he said. “I’m looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody—ideally a great Republican, a great Republican to carry it forward.”
Pressed on who that successor might be, Trump mentioned Vice President JD Vance, describing him as a “fantastic, brilliant guy,” and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He added, “We have a lot of good people in this party.”
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