New York Attorney General Letitia James delivered a fierce rebuke of the U.S. Supreme Court following its landmark decision on President Donald Trump’s controversial attempt to end birthright citizenship — a case she personally spearheaded.
In a pointed statement, James condemned the conservative majority of the high court for dismantling the power of federal district judges to issue nationwide injunctions, a key legal tool that has blocked much of Trump’s agenda during his second term.
“Every child born on U.S. soil is a citizen of this country, no matter the state of birth. This principle has stood strong for over a century,” James declared. She called the ruling “a profound and deeply disappointing setback for families now facing uncertainty and risk, for millions relying on our courts to protect their constitutional rights, and for the very foundation of the rule of law.”
The Trump administration, in the “Trump v. CASA” case, argued that local judges lack the authority to enforce nationwide injunctions, proposing instead that such orders should only affect the parties directly involved. The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision sided with this view, effectively allowing Trump’s executive order targeting birthright citizenship to extend beyond the case, making it a de facto nationwide policy — all without addressing the constitutional question at the heart of the matter.
Under Trump’s directive, any child born after February 19 to parents residing illegally in the U.S., or where only one parent is a citizen, would no longer automatically receive birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment.
James was the first to challenge this directive legally, arguing that New York’s Child Health Plus program — which provides healthcare regardless of immigration status — would suffer as affected children lose access to vital federal funding.
Despite the setback, James vowed to continue the fight. “My office, alongside other attorneys general, will persist in defending the Constitution and the values that unite us,” she said, hinting at potential future legal battles, according to ABC New York.
However, James’ ability to continue her advocacy may face new obstacles. The FBI recently launched an investigation into alleged mortgage fraud involving the Attorney General, following evidence that she may have misrepresented information on mortgage applications to secure better terms. Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte cited documents related to James’ 2023 purchase of a Virginia home, which she claimed as her primary residence, and ownership of a New York brownstone where she reportedly listed her father as her spouse.
In a move widely viewed as supportive of James, New York lawmakers slipped a loophole into the state budget allowing residents to claim up to $10 million in taxpayer compensation if they face “discriminatory or retaliatory” federal charges. The measure applies to any legal proceedings started after January 1, 2025, potentially covering charges related to Trump’s administration.