In a strong condemnation, President Joe Biden criticized the Supreme Court’s recent ruling which granted presidents absolute immunity from prosecution for core official acts. Biden issued a stern warning about the possible implications of a second term for former President Donald Trump. Speaking from the White House, Biden emphasized, “There are no kings in America. No one is above the law, not even the president of the United States.”
The Supreme Court’s decision, made along ideological lines with a 6-3 vote, allows Trump to claim immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken during his presidency, potentially delaying his federal election subversion trial related to the events of January 6, 2021. The ruling overturns a previous decision by a federal appeals court, which had found that Trump had no immunity for crimes committed during his presidency to undermine the 2020 election results.
Biden warned that the president’s powers are now virtually unlimited, and that Trump, if reelected, could be a danger in that role. The president highlighted the events of January 6th as one of the darkest days in American history, expressing concern that Trump may not face trial for his criminal charges related to that day before the upcoming election.
The Supreme Court’s decision leaves many technical questions unresolved, likely prolonging the process before a trial can begin. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that official acts cannot be considered as evidence in a potential trial, potentially making it more difficult for the special counsel to prove his case against Trump.
Biden urged voters to consider the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision on the upcoming presidential election, stating, “The American people must decide if they want to entrust the presidency to Donald Trump, now knowing that he’ll be even more emboldened to do whatever he pleases.” He echoed the sentiments of Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s dissent, expressing fear for democracy and calling for people to dissent against the court’s ruling.
Following the ruling, Trump’s legal team immediately sought to challenge his conviction in a New York criminal hush money trial based on the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity. This move could potentially delay Trump’s sentencing, which was set for the following week.
This development underscores the high stakes of the upcoming election, as the Supreme Court’s decision could have far-reaching consequences for the limits of presidential power and the accountability of those in office.
