What SCOTUS' rare hearing is really about

And Bernie Sanders calls the proposed GOP Medicare cuts a 'death sentence' |

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Thursday, May. 15, 2025 THE LATEST Why this Supreme Court hearing is — and isn't — about birthright citizenship  By Jordan Rubin Why this Supreme Court hearing is — and isn't — about birthright citizenship  By Jordan Rubin "Blatantly unconstitutional." That's what U.S. District Judge John Coughenour called President Donald Trump's attempt to restrict birthright citizenship earlier this year. "I've been on the bench for over four decades. I can't remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one," the Reagan appointee said in blocking Trump's executive order. Other judges around the country followed suit.   And yet, the Supreme Court granted a rare hearing on the subject for today.   But the court isn't taking Trump's order head-on. The administration didn't ask it to. Rather, while litigation against the order proceeds in the lower courts, the federal government filed emergency applications to the justices, asking them to narrow the scope of nationwide injunctions blocking Trump's order in three cases. Instead of deciding, as it usually does, whether to grant emergency relief based on the court papers alone, the court set today's hearing for after the term's normally scheduled arguments wrapped up last month.   This is a preview of Jordan Rubin's latest column. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES HAYES BROWN The House GOP wants to shift the blame for leaving millions of kids hungry The House Agriculture Committee approved $300 billion in cuts to SNAP benefits in order to pay for a massive tax cut for the wealthy. Read more.   RYAN TEAGUE BECKWITH The GOP's 'senior bonus' is a sop to Social Security recipients On the campaign trail, the president promised to end taxes on Social Security benefits. Read more. GUTHRIE GRAVES-FITZSIMMONS The Episcopal Church chooses true Christianity over Trump's hypocrisy The administration's embrace of white South Africans as refugees, while rejecting so many others, paints a disturbing portrait of Trump's approach to Christianity. Read more. STEVE BENEN Tulsi Gabbard sends strong message to intel community with firing of top officials The National Intelligence Council produced a report that contradicted Donald Trump's assumptions. Tulsi Gabbard just fired the council's leadership. Read more.  TOP VIDEOS ALL IN Sen. Sanders calls proposed GOP Medicaid cuts a 'death sentence' WATCH NOW THE BEAT WITH ARI RFK Jr. now claims no one should take his medical advice WATCH NOW CHRIS JANSING REPORTS Pete Buttigieg fuels presidential run rumors after holding Iowa town hall WATCH NOW THE WEEKNIGHT 'You have to address the circus': DNC Vice Chair Malcolm Kenyatta on party turmoil WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC As President Trump continues implementing his ambitious agenda, follow along with a new MSNBC newsletter, "Project 47." You'll receive expert analysis on the administration's latest actions and how others are pushing back, all sent straight to your inbox each week. Go to msnbc.com/project47 to sign up now. In the latest episode of "Main Justice," MSNBC Legal Analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord discuss how the White House is considering suspending habeas corpus for migrants and what that means. Plus, they highlight the importance of due process following the recent release of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student who was detained by ICE over an opinion piece she wrote for the student newspaper. Listen now, and subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening and bonus content.   MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE