President Donald Trump is facing backlash following a remark made during a wide-ranging interview on NBC News’s Meet the Press in which he appeared uncertain about his constitutional obligations.
When asked by host Kristen Welker whether he believed he was required to uphold the U.S. Constitution as president, Trump responded, “I don’t know.” The comment has drawn strong criticism from political observers and legal experts who say it reflects a troubling disregard for the oath of office, which mandates defending the Constitution.
The interview, aired Sunday morning, also saw Trump doubling down on hardline immigration rhetoric. He insisted that undocumented immigrants should be swiftly deported, calling current judicial processes “inconceivable” and suggesting he needed expanded powers to remove individuals he labeled “murderers and drug dealers.”
“I can’t wait for millions of court cases,” Trump said, arguing for faster removals and stricter border enforcement.
His comments come amid growing political tension ahead of the 2026 midterms and continued concerns about democratic norms during his presidency. Critics say the president’s statements signal a broader erosion of constitutional principles and executive restraint.
The White House has yet to clarify Trump’s remarks regarding the Constitution. Legal scholars, however, were quick to condemn the statement, with some calling it “dangerous” and “deeply concerning” for a sitting president to express uncertainty over such a fundamental duty.
The interview also touched on economic issues, with Trump downplaying the risk of a recession and briefly mentioning potential successors once his current term ends. However, it was his Constitution comment that quickly dominated headlines and online discussions.
As of Sunday morning, reaction on social media and political forums was overwhelmingly critical, with many calling on Congress and the judiciary to reaffirm the limits of presidential power.
Trump, who has repeatedly clashed with federal courts and been accused of undermining democratic institutions, remains a central figure in America’s political discourse — and one whose words continue to stir intense debate.
