Ryan says 'obviously' Trump can't end birthright citizenship

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said Tuesday that "obviously" President Donald Trump couldn't end the constitutional right of birthright citizenship with an executive order, while saying he agrees with the president that "unchecked illegal immigration" needs to be addressed.

Many conservatives have long called for an end to the constitutional right to citizenship for babies born in the United States. Most constitutional scholars agree with Ryan that the president cannot implement such a change unilaterally.

"Well you obviously cannot do that," Ryan told Lexington, Kentucky, radio station WVLK-AM. "You cannot end birthright citizenship with an executive order."

Republican Gov.