Trump says he doesn’t know if he backs due process rights – Los Angeles Times
Updated: May 5, 2025
In a wide-ranging TV interview, former President Donald Trump made headlines again — this time for appearing uncertain about something pretty fundamental: due process under the U.S. Constitution. Yes, you read that right.
When asked whether immigrants should be granted constitutional due process rights — a key legal protection that ensures fair treatment under the law — Trump responded with a shrug of uncertainty:
“I don’t know. I’m not, I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know.”
That statement alone raises eyebrows, especially considering the importance of due process in U.S. democracy. Let’s unpack what he said, why it matters, and how it connects to the broader political conversation — all in plain English.
What Is Due Process and Why Is It Important?
Due process is a constitutional guarantee found in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. It protects individuals — yes, including immigrants — from being deprived of “life, liberty, or property” without fair legal procedures.
So, when Trump says “I don’t know” whether immigrants should get due process, it’s not just a casual comment. It signals potential policy directions and could influence how immigration law is interpreted or enforced.
Trump on His Future: “I’ll Be a Two-Term President”
Interestingly, Trump also addressed rumors about running for a third term, something that would violate the 22nd Amendment — the law that limits U.S. presidents to two terms.
Here’s what he said:
“I’ll be an eight-year president, I’ll be a two-term president. I always thought that was very important.”
That’s a clear departure from some past statements where he flirted with the idea of a third term — or even sold “Trump 2028” hats.
So, does this finally put the third-term speculation to rest? Well, kind of. While Trump now says he respects the constitutional limit, he also called the public push for a third term a “great compliment.”
What About the Lawyers and the Supreme Court?
When pressed further on due process, Trump deflected the question by saying he relies on his “brilliant lawyers” and claimed that the Supreme Court’s interpretation differs from what the interviewer suggested.
Let’s be clear: the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that due process applies to everyone on U.S. soil, including non-citizens. That’s not up for much debate. The concern is whether Trump’s comments hint at a disregard for these precedents.
Who Could Be Trump’s Successor?
With Trump seemingly bowing out after a second term, speculation has turned to his potential successor. Two names floated in the interview were Vice President JD Vance and Senator Marco Rubio.
Trump praised both:
“JD is fantastic. Brilliant guy. Marco is great.”
Still, he stopped short of endorsing anyone, likely to avoid stepping into early campaign drama.
What It All Means
Let’s cut through the noise:
- Trump’s “I don’t know” about due process signals ambiguity on a constitutional right.
- His commitment to a two-term presidency affirms adherence to the 22nd Amendment, even while he profits from Trump 2028 merchandise.
- The lack of clarity around legal commitments and future endorsements keeps his political future as Final Thought
Whether you support or oppose Donald Trump, his comments on due process and term limits aren’t just political fluff — they speak to how the Constitution might be interpreted (or ignored) by those in power. And that’s something we all should keep a close eye on.
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