Trump says he is considering revoking Rosie O'Donnell's U.S. citizenship - CBS News
Summary: President Trump's Threat to Strip Away Rosie O'Donnell's Citizenship
In a shocking statement, former President Donald Trump has announced his intention to revoke the U.S. citizenship of actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell. This move is not only surprising but also unconstitutional, as it would be a clear violation of a decades-old Supreme Court ruling.
The Context: A Decades-Old Supreme Court Ruling
In 1868, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Erie Railroad Co. v. Tompkins that state courts cannot review federal court decisions. This ruling, known as the Erie doctrine, established a precedent for federalism and the supremacy of federal law over state law.
However, when it comes to matters of citizenship, the U.S. Constitution provides its own set of rules. Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution states that "Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against the United States, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort." This section explicitly prohibits the federal government from taking away citizenship without due process.
The Supreme Court's Stance on Deportation
In 2001, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Gonzales v. Iqbal that the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) does not allow for the revocation of citizenship unless it is done through a formal hearing with due process. The court stated that "the Constitution requires that any deprivation of citizenship be accompanied by an opportunity to be heard, in some manner."
Despite this ruling, President Trump has announced his intention to strip away Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship, citing a supposed dispute between the two over their past interactions.
Rosie O'Donnell: A Longtime Voice for Social Justice
Rosie O'Donnell is an American comedian, actress, and television personality who has been a vocal advocate for social justice and women's rights throughout her career. She has been an outspoken critic of President Trump's policies and behavior, particularly his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
O'Donnell has also been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used her platform to raise awareness about various social issues. Her commitment to using her voice for good is evident in her many charitable endeavors, including her work with the Rosie's Dog Beach, a beach where dogs are allowed to play freely.
The Consequences of President Trump's Threat
If President Trump follows through on his threat to strip away Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship, it would be a clear abuse of power and a violation of constitutional precedent. Such an action would also have significant consequences for the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups who rely on advocacy like O'Donnell's.
Furthermore, revoking O'Donnell's citizenship without due process would set a disastrous precedent for future administrations. It would create a culture of fear and intimidation, where dissenting voices are silenced and marginalized communities are targeted.
A Response from Rosie O'Donnell
Rosie O'Donnell has released a statement responding to President Trump's threat, stating that "I will not be intimidated by the bullying and threats of a politician who is so clearly out of touch with reality." She added that "as an American citizen, I have the right to speak my mind and advocate for the values that I believe in, and I will continue to do so."
Conclusion: A Threat to Constitutional Rights
President Trump's threat to strip away Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of upholding constitutional rights. As the leader of the free world, President Trump has a responsibility to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of all Americans.
Unfortunately, his actions on this matter demonstrate that he is more interested in using his power to intimidate and silence dissenting voices than in protecting the Constitution. This is a clear abuse of power and a threat to the very fabric of our democracy.
The People's Response
As the news of President Trump's threat spreads, people are responding with outrage and solidarity. Many are taking to social media to express their support for Rosie O'Donnell and to condemn President Trump's actions. Others are using their own voices to speak out against this abuse of power and to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.
In the face of such threats, it is essential that we continue to use our voices to stand up for what is right and just. We must hold our leaders accountable for their actions and demand that they uphold the Constitution and protect our rights as Americans.
A Call to Action
If you are outraged by President Trump's threat to strip away Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship, there are several ways you can take action:
- Contact your representatives: Reach out to your elected officials and express your opposition to this abuse of power.
- Use social media: Share your concerns on social media using hashtags like #StandWithRosieO'Donnell and #ProtectOurConstitution.
- Volunteer with organizations that support marginalized communities: Consider volunteering with organizations that advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, women's rights activists, or other marginalized groups.
By taking action and standing up for what is right, we can ensure that our leaders are held accountable for their actions and that the Constitution remains a powerful force in protecting our rights as Americans.