CurrentReport Blog President Joe Biden expressed deep concern on Monday regarding the Supreme Court’s recent decision on presidential immunity, emphasizing that the ruling could significantly impact the accountability of future presidents, particularly if former President Donald Trump is re-elected.
In a 6-3 decision, the conservative-majority Supreme Court ruled that presidents have “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution for actions deemed “official acts” while in office. However, the court also noted that presidents remain liable for “unofficial acts” and could face criminal penalties for such actions.
Biden, addressing the nation from the White House, stated, “For all practical purposes, today’s decision almost certainly means there are no limits to what a president can do. This is a fundamentally new principle, and it’s a dangerous precedent.”
The ruling arrives as Trump faces serious legal challenges, including criminal charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. These proceedings, which had been paused pending the Supreme Court’s review of Trump’s immunity claims, are now expected to be delayed further, potentially beyond the upcoming November election.
Biden warned voters about the ramifications of this ruling, saying, “The American people must decide if they want to entrust… once again, the presidency to Donald Trump, now knowing he’ll be more emboldened to do whatever he pleases, whenever he wants to do it.”
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, underscored that while a president is not above the law, they are protected from criminal prosecution for actions within their official capacity. “The president therefore may not be prosecuted for exercising his core constitutional powers,” Roberts stated. He clarified, however, that this immunity does not extend to actions outside the scope of official duties.
The case has been sent back to a lower court to determine which of Trump’s alleged actions during and after the 2020 election fall under “official” versus “unofficial” acts.
Trump’s charges include conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of an official proceeding during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, and conspiracy to deny Americans their voting rights.
Biden highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability as voters prepare to head to the polls later this year. “The public has a right to know the answer about what happened on January 6, before they’re asked to vote again this year,” Biden said. He lamented that the Supreme Court’s ruling makes it “highly, highly unlikely” that these answers will be provided before the election.
“This decision is a terrible disservice to the people of this nation,” Biden concluded.
