White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller reportedly confronted CNN anchor Kasie Hunt regarding President Donald Trump’s authority to deport hundreds of suspected Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador.
This discussion emerged after U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued an order directing the Trump administration to return any flights carrying these gang members.
The administration contended that the flights were already over international waters, rendering the judge’s order ineffective.
Miller criticized Boasberg’s ruling, labeling it “patently unlawful” and suggesting that it represented a significant assault on both the Constitution and national sovereignty.
During the exchange, Hunt asked if the Trump administration planned to disregard this order, to which Miller asserted that the president has constitutional rights to conduct national security operations.
He referenced the Alien Enemies Act, which grants the president the authority to repel threats to the U.S. Miller stressed that this authority is not subject to interference from district court judges.
Stephen Miller on CNN talking about the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
Absolute must-see TV.pic.twitter.com/aDd2jPvkfq
— Geiger Capital (@Geiger_Capital) March 17, 2025
Hunt pressed him on whether Venezuela was indeed invading the U.S., to which Miller explained that under the law, certain groups associated with the Venezuelan government could be classified as threats, warranting presidential action.
The debate intensified as Hunt attempted to assert that there needs to be a declaration of war for such actions to be justified.
Miller countered that the statute provides various grounds for action, including “invasion” and “predatory incursion,” which he argued applied in this situation.
Miller concluded by emphasizing that allowing district court judges to interfere in national security matters undermines American sovereignty.
His passionate defense highlighted the broader implications of judicial oversight in deportation and national security, particularly in the context of the current political climate.
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