Comment Section for Opinion | The Constitution Doesn’t Belong to Trump or the Supreme Court - The New York Times

This New York Times opinion piece, penned by Columbia Law School professor Kate Andrias, asserts that the U.S. Constitution does not belong solely to figures of power like the President or the Supreme Court. The article discusses recent instances where the Supreme Court and President Trump have taken authoritarian actions, such as deporting migrants and enabling racial profiling by immigration officers, which have caused widespread concern. Andrias argues that the Constitution's interpretation should not be limited to the Supreme Court; instead, it belongs to the people, who can collectively influence its interpretation. Andrias highlights historical moments when people's collective action has overruled the Supreme Court's interpretations. For example, early 20th-century labor rights activists successfully defended their rights, leading to the Supreme Court's acceptance of the National Labor Relations Act. Other successful collective actions include the protection of children from exploitation and the establishment of reproductive rights. Andrias concludes by encouraging Americans to reclaim their role in interpreting the Constitution, pushing for democracy, and resisting authoritarian power consolidation. She calls for mass movements, electing members of Congress who will protect constitutional rights, and using state constitutions as rights sources. Furthermore, she urges presidential candidates to offer a vision committed to democracy and the rule of law. Andrias emphasizes that changing the Constitution is not unrealistic, as evidenced by abolitionists, suffragists, labor organizers, and civil rights activists. She argues that the Constitution is waiting for the people to claim it and determine its interpretation.