Washington — The Supreme Court ruled today that President Donald Trump has the authority to deport journalists he deems "hostile" to the administration, including sending some to conflict-ridden Sudan. The ruling, split 5-4 along ideological lines, marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing debate over press freedom and executive power in the United States.
The Court’s majority opinion holds that, under the Alien Enemies Act—a law dating back to 1798 and invoked by President Trump in recent months—the president may summarily deport non-citizen journalists whom he classifies as threats to national security, provided certain conditions of national emergency or conflict are met1. The decision follows months of heated rhetoric from the White House, which has accused several foreign-born journalists of undermining U.S. interests and spreading misinformation.
Legal experts had questioned whether the Act could be used in this way, noting it typically requires the U.S. to be in a declared war or facing an invasion by a foreign power. Critics argued that the administration’s broad interpretation, targeting journalists for their reporting, is unprecedented and dangerous for democracy.
The choice to deport journalists specifically to Sudan has drawn international condemnation. Sudan remains embroiled in a civil war, with journalists there facing routine harassment, detention, and even death for their work. Human rights groups warn that sending reporters to such an environment is tantamount to a death sentence for many.
Advocates for press freedom have denounced the ruling as a grave threat to democracy. The United States has long championed the safety of journalists abroad, but this move places it among governments that view the press as an enemy rather than a vital check on power.
Civil liberties groups have vowed to challenge the ruling, warning it sets a dangerous precedent for targeting dissent. The ruling’s reliance on the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used and controversial statute, is likely to fuel further legal battles and political unrest.
Meanwhile, international organizations and foreign governments have expressed concern, with some calling for sanctions and others offering asylum to threatened journalists.
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