Trump targets birthright citizenship, faces AG nomination hurdles, and sparks primary 'clown show'

Former President Donald Trump has recently taken new steps to restrict birthright citizenship, signing two executive orders on Thursday, August 6, 2026, aimed at curbing "birth tourism" and limiting automatic citizenship for children born to certain non-citizens. This move comes after the Supreme Court rejected his previous attempt to end birthright citizenship outright in June 2026. The new orders target children whose parents are foreign government employees, members of terrorist organizations, or those who allegedly obtained visas fraudulently to give birth in the U.S. These executive actions are expected to face immediate legal challenges, as constitutional scholars and civil rights groups contend they violate the 14th Amendment and the Supreme Court's earlier ruling.

Meanwhile, Trump's preferred nominee for Attorney General, Todd Blanche, faces significant hurdles in his Senate confirmation process. Blanche, who has served as acting Attorney General since April 2026, has drawn opposition from several Republican senators, including Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. Concerns center on the perceived politicization of the Justice Department, Blanche's controversial role in a proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" to compensate individuals like January 6 rioters, and his handling of a settlement involving Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. With a narrow Republican majority in the Senate and key absences, Murkowski's and Collins' opposition severely jeopardizes Blanche's confirmation, as he can only afford to lose two Republican votes if all Democrats oppose him.

In Republican primaries, President Trump's influence continues to be a dominant factor, with his endorsed candidates achieving a "winning streak" and often unseating incumbents. This trend is partly attributed to a self-selection phenomenon where moderate Republican voters are less likely to participate in primaries, leaving a disproportionate voice to Trump's base. While this solidifies Trump's grip on the party and shapes its direction, some strategists express concern that it could lead to difficulties in general elections when facing a broader electorate.