President Joe Biden has condemned the Supreme Court’s recent decision granting former President Donald Trump broad immunity from prosecution. Biden labeled the ruling a “dangerous precedent” and warned it “undermines the rule of law.”
“Today’s decision almost certainly means that there are virtually no limits on what the president can do,” Biden remarked. “The power of the office will no longer be constrained by the law, even including the Supreme Court of the United States. The only limits will be self-imposed by the president alone.”
Biden’s comments, made from the White House, came just hours after the court’s 6-3 ruling along ideological lines. The decision states that a former president has absolute immunity for core constitutional powers and is presumed immune for official acts, but lacks immunity for unofficial acts. The case was remanded to the trial judge to determine which of Trump’s actions, if any, were part of his official duties and thus protected from prosecution.
Biden expressed concern that the court’s decision effectively places “virtually no limits on what a president can do,” making it unlikely that Trump will face trial for his efforts to undermine the transfer of power.
“Now the American people will have to do what the court should have been willing to do but will not…render a judgment about Donald Trump’s behavior,” Biden asserted.
President Biden made these remarks while en route to board Air Force One after attending a fundraiser in New Jersey on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Despite being under pressure from fellow Democrats to withdraw from the presidential race following his performance in last week’s debate, Biden appeared composed and clear during his statement. He did not take any questions from the press.
In the wake of the debate, Biden has actively sought to reassure his supporters of his capability to lead. Last Friday, a day after the debate, Biden held a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he aimed to convince supporters of his competence. Over the weekend, he engaged in damage control efforts, addressing donors and others to acknowledge their concerns.
“I didn’t have a great night,” he admitted to supporters at the home of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on Saturday night. “But I’m going to be fighting harder and going to need you with me to get it done.”