Parts of the U.S. Constitution Briefly Disappear from Government Website—But Don’t Worry, It Was Just a “Coding Error”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a moment that’s either a masterclass in coincidence or a case study in suspiciously selective glitches, key sections of the U.S. Constitution briefly vanished from the official government website run by the Library of Congress. Specifically, Article I, Sections 9 and 10—sections that, among other things, prohibit the government from suspending habeas corpus without cause, issuing titles of nobility, and accepting gifts from foreign states—were nowhere to be found.

Also missing: the tail end of Section 8, which authorizes Congress to raise armies and fund them—but only with budget constraints that some in the current administration might find inconvenient.

According to the Library of Congress, the disappearance was due to a “coding error”—a technical mishap that just happened to remove the exact parts of the Constitution that have been most frequently criticized, dismissed, or outright challenged by the Trump administration. For instance, Trump has repeatedly criticized the Emoluments Clause, calling it “phony,” and once floated the idea of suspending habeas corpus in response to national unrest. A pure coincidence, we’re told.

The issue was first noticed by vigilant internet users comparing archived versions of the Constitution Annotated site (constitution.congress.gov). Snapshots from July 17 included the full constitutional text. But by early August, Sections 9 and 10 had vanished without explanation.

When pressed, a spokesperson for the Library said they were aware of the missing sections and working to fix the problem. The text has since been restored. No foul play is suspected—because, again, just a coding glitch. Nothing to see here.

Still, the disappearance comes at a time when many federal websites have quietly deleted references to climate change, DEI initiatives, LGBTQ+ protections, and abortion access—raising broader concerns about digital censorship, information control, and a government that appears increasingly allergic to both history and accountability.

What Went Missing (But Totally By Accident):

• Section 9: Contains the Suspension Clause (habeas corpus), bans on bills of attainder and ex post facto laws, and the Emoluments Clause.

• Section 10: Prohibits states from coining their own money, forming foreign alliances, or granting titles of nobility.

• Section 8 (end): Pertains to the military and budget limitations for army funding.

Legal scholars, journalists, and civil liberties groups are openly questioning the narrative. “If this had happened under any other administration, I might be inclined to believe it was a bug,” said one constitutional law professor. “But given the sections involved and this administration’s open disdain for checks on power, it’s hard not to raise an eyebrow.”

In an era where facts are often under siege and historical memory is treated as optional, the brief disappearance of some of the Constitution’s most inconvenient sections feels less like a glitch and more like a trial run.

But again: just a coding error. Definitely not deliberate.