1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

I am writing to express deep concern over a recent statement made by former President Donald Trump during an interview with journalist Kristen Welker. When asked whether all individuals—citizens and noncitizens alike—are entitled to due process under the Constitution, Trump replied, “I don’t know. I’m not a lawyer.” This response is not only alarming but deeply troubling in its implications. The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution clearly states that no person shall be “deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” The use of the word “person”—not “citizen”—is deliberate and foundational. Our legal system has long recognized that due process is a right extended to all people within the United States, regardless of citizenship status. To hear a former president, and current presidential candidate, express uncertainty or indifference about one of the most basic principles of our democracy is unacceptable. It reveals either a profound lack of understanding of the Constitution or a willingness to disregard it for political gain. Both are dangerous. I urge you to take a firm stand in defense of constitutional rights for all individuals. Speak out clearly and publicly in support of the Fifth Amendment and remind your constituents—and your colleagues—that due process is not a partisan issue. It is a core tenet of American democracy. We cannot afford to treat the Constitution as optional or interpret it based on convenience or popularity. If we allow our leaders to chip away at foundational rights without consequence, we risk losing the very principles that define us. Thank you for your time and your service to the people.