When a President Questions His Duty to Uphold the Constitution
Take Action
If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know.
📧 Email Template
Subject: URGENT: Constitutional Crisis - President Questioning Duty to Uphold Constitution
Dear [Representative/Senator/Official Name],
I write to you with grave concern regarding an unprecedented constitutional crisis. On May 4, 2025, President Trump stated on national television that he "doesn't know" if he needs to uphold the Constitution as President of the United States. This is not a partisan issue—this is an existential threat to our constitutional republic and demands immediate action.
When the President of the United States questions whether he must uphold the document he swore to "preserve, protect and defend," we face nothing less than a direct assault on the rule of law. This statement fundamentally undermines the constitutional order that has sustained our democracy for over 230 years. It is the definition of a constitutional crisis.
Most alarming, the President's uncertainty extended to whether citizens deserve due process rights guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. This isn't merely about immigration policy—it's about whether any American's constitutional protections can be swept aside at the whim of the executive. History teaches us that once such protections become optional for some, they quickly become optional for all.
Make no mistake: this is precisely how democracies have fallen throughout history. When leaders begin suggesting that constitutional constraints are merely optional, the erosion of democratic institutions accelerates rapidly. The President's oath isn't a technicality—it's the most fundamental guarantee that executive power remains bound by law rather than exercised through unchecked authority.
I demand that you, as my elected representative, condemn this statement immediately and unequivocally. Constitutional duty transcends party loyalty. Your silence in this moment would signal complicity in the undermining of our constitutional foundation. This is not the time for measured political calculations—it is the time for moral courage and fidelity to your own oath of office.
I expect you to speak out forcefully on the Congressional floor, issue a public statement, and use every available means to defend our Constitution. The American experiment in self-governance hangs in the balance. Where do you stand?
With the utmost urgency,
[Your Name]
☎️ Phone Script
Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I am a constituent from [Your City/Town].
I'm calling about President Trump's statement on NBC's "Meet the Press" this Sunday where he said he "doesn't know" if he needs to uphold the Constitution as President. This admission came when asked about due process rights for both citizens and non-citizens.
This statement represents a constitutional crisis. The President has sworn an oath to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution," yet he's now questioning whether this fundamental duty applies to him.
This goes beyond partisan politics—it threatens the foundation of our republic. When the highest official in our government expresses uncertainty about whether constitutional protections apply to all people in America, our entire system of rights and freedoms is at risk.
I'm calling to ask what specific actions [Representative/Senator's Name] is taking to address this crisis. Will they be making a public statement condemning the President's remarks? Will they be introducing or supporting any measures to reaffirm constitutional protections?
Given the severity of this situation, I believe silence or inaction amounts to complicity in the erosion of our constitutional order. I would appreciate knowing where [Representative/Senator's Name] stands on this critical issue.
Thank you for your time. I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] for any follow-up.
📣 Sample Social Media Post
🚨 POTUS just said he "doesn't know" if he must uphold the Constitution. This isn't politics—it's a constitutional crisis. Our democracy depends on officials bound by law, not above it. Speak up. Call your reps now. #DefendConstitution #DueProcess #ConstitutionalCrisis
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d5de5598-dddc-4890-80ea-06f628458671/
Stay Loud, Stay Kind!
Wear it because democracy needs a voice— and kindness needs champions.
Our Bigger Than Me shirt isn’t just a statement. It’s soft, comfy, and built for showing up — whether you’re protesting, hanging out, or walking the dog on a warm day.
Every shirt helps fuel strong coffee, stronger Wi-Fi, and a movement that knows staying loud and staying kind is how we win.
Suit up. Show up. Stay Loud. Stay Kind.
Sources
ABC News. (2025, May 4). Trump admin live updates: Trump says 'I don't know' when asked if he needs to uphold the Constitution. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/live-updates/trump-admin-live-updates-border-czar-brief-securing/?id=121230740&entryId=121455982
Al Jazeera. (2025, May 4). Trump says 'I don't know' when asked if he backs US due process rights. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/4/trump-says-i-dont-know-when-asked-if-he-backs-us-due-process-rights
NBC News. (2025, May 4). Meet the Press – May 4, 2025. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meet-press-may-4-2025-n1312074
NBC News. (2025, May 4). Trump, asked if he has to 'uphold the Constitution,' says, 'I don't know'. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/trump-asked-uphold-constitution-says-dont-know-rcna204580
NBC News. (2025, May 5). Fact-checking Donald Trump's May interview with 'Meet the Press'. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/fact-checking-donald-trumps-may-interview-meet-press-rcna203513
NPR. (2025, May 4). Does a president need to uphold the Constitution? Trump says 'I don't know'. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.npr.org/2025/05/04/g-s1-64239/does-a-president-need-to-uphold-the-constitution-trump-says-i-dont-know
NPR. (2025, May 5). When asked if he needs to uphold Constitution, President Trump says 'I don't know'. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.npr.org/2025/05/05/nx-s1-5386643/when-asked-if-he-needs-to-uphold-constitution-president-trump-says-i-dont-know
PBS News. (2025, May 4). Trump says he doesn't know if he backs constitutional due process rights in new interview. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-says-he-doesnt-know-if-he-backs-constitutional-due-process-rights-in-new-interview
Reuters. (2025, January 20). Trump does not swear on Bible during inauguration, no impact on oath. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-stirs-curiosity-online-after-not-placing-hand-bible-during-oath-2025-01-20/
Reuters. (2025, May 4). Trump says he's unsure whether people in the US are entitled to due process. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-hes-unsure-whether-people-us-are-entitled-due-process-2025-05-04/
Rolling Stone. (2025, May 4). Trump Says 'I Don't Know' When Asked if He Has to 'Uphold the Constitution'. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-i-dont-know-uphold-the-constitution-1235331041/
Scholars Strategy Network. (2024, June 13). Twenty Lessons on Fighting Tyranny from the Twentieth Century. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://scholars.org/contribution/twenty-lessons-fighting-tyranny-twentieth
Snyder, T. (2024, January 6). On Tyranny. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from
Snyder, T. (2025, March 30). Twenty Lessons, read by John Lithgow. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from
Time. (2025, May 4). Trump on Desire to Annex Canada, Upholding the Constitution. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://time.com/7282450/trump-annex-canada-economy-recession-upholding-the-constitution/
Tribune. (2025, May 4). Trump says 'I don't know' if must uphold U.S. Constitution as president. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://tribune.net.ph/2025/05/04/trump-says-i-dont-know-if-must-uphold-us-constitution-as-president
The Daily Beast. (2025, March 31). Constitutional Expert Laurence Tribe Warns How Trump Really Could Get Third Term. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.thedailybeast.com/constitutional-expert-laurence-tribe-warns-how-trump-really-could-get-third-term/
The Daily Beast. (2025, May 4). Trump Has Unreal Response to 'Will You Uphold Constitution?'. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-i-dont-know-if-its-my-job-to-uphold-constitution/
The Washington Post. (2025, May 4). Trump questions need to uphold Constitution in NBC interview. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/04/trump-nbc-interview-constitution-economy/
Wikipedia. (2025, April 2). On Tyranny. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Tyranny
