WASHINGTON — The focus inside the Supreme Court courtroom shifted dramatically on Wednesday as former President Donald Trump attended oral arguments, becoming the first sitting president known to do so. Reporters and observers found themselves watching Trump rather than the justices themselves.

Trump's Historic Appearance

Trump, dressed in his signature dark suit and red tie, arrived shortly before arguments began concerning his executive order aimed at limiting birthright citizenship. He was accompanied by Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House Counsel David Warrington, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, seated in a row typically reserved for senior government officials.

The justices, including the three he appointed, entered the courtroom and stood as is customary. Chief Justice John Roberts, a frequent target of Trump’s past criticism, initiated the session without acknowledging the former president’s presence.

A History of Criticism

Trump’s attendance is notable given his previous attacks on the court. Following a loss in a case involving his tariffs, he labeled justices who ruled against him – including Roberts and two conservative justices – as “a disgrace to our nation” and “very unpatriotic and disloyal to the Constitution.”

Some lawyers scheduled for a Supreme Court bar admission ceremony expressed surprise at Trump’s attendance, feeling it overshadowed their own special occasion. Trump observed the swearing-in ceremony before the main arguments began.

Skepticism from the Bench

During arguments, Solicitor General D. John Sauer, representing Trump, faced rigorous questioning from both conservative and liberal justices regarding the constitutionality of the executive order. The justices appeared somewhat more reserved than usual in their questioning.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor raised concerns about potential retroactive application of the policy, stating that “this president, or the next president” could extend it to millions if the court sided with Trump’s legal arguments.

Abrupt Departure and Social Media Response

Shortly after the American Civil Liberties Union lawyer, Cecillia Wang, began presenting her challenge, Trump abruptly left the courtroom to attend an Easter lunch at the White House. He immediately posted on Truth Social: “We are the only Country in the World STUPID enough to allow ‘Birthright’ Citizenship!”

Limited Impact Expected

Despite his presence, there was little indication that Trump swayed the justices. Several conservative justices, including those he appointed, appeared unconvinced by Sauer’s arguments. The court’s final ruling, expected by the end of June, will be determined through private deliberations, shielded from public or presidential influence.