In historic first, Trump attends SC birthright citizenship hearing

US President Donald Trump made a historic visit to the Supreme Court on Wednesday to attend arguments over the legality of a policy he considers crucial to his hardline approach toward immigration - a directive he signed on his first day back in office that would limit birthright citizenship.

The Republican president sat in the first row of the public section of seating in the ornate courtroom but departed not long after the lawyer arguing for his administration completed his presentation and the attorney for the challengers began hers. Trump left quietly, accompanied by Secret Service personnel.

Trump was driven by motorcade from the White House and arrived before the arguments, wearing a red tie and dark suit. Trump and other attendees rose to their feet as the court marshal made the customary announcement beginning with "Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!" - meaning "Hear ye!" - to mark the beginning of the court session.

Trump, joined by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, was at the courthouse for a bit more than an hour and a half. During the arguments, which lasted more than two hours, members of the court signalled scepticism toward Trump's directive. The court is expected to rule by the end of June.

"We are the only Country in the World STUPID enough to allow 'Birthright' Citizenship," Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform after arriving back at the White House.

The United States is among 33 countries with automatic birthright citizenship policies, according to the Pew Research Centre.

Chief Justice John Roberts did not acknowledge Trump's presence before announcing the beginning of arguments in the case known as Trump v. Barbara.