Biden Condemns Supreme Court Ruling on Trump Immunity, Cites Jan. 6

President Biden strongly criticized the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent and raising concerns about Donald Trump's potential return to office.

President Biden vehemently condemned the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity in the Trump v. United States case, expressing alarm that it effectively grants the president unchecked authority.

In a brief evening address, Biden described the decision as "fundamentally new" and a "dangerous precedent" that removes legal constraints on presidential actions. He emphasized that even the Supreme Court will no longer be able to hold a president accountable.

Biden Condemns Supreme Court Ruling on Trump Immunity, Cites Jan. 6

The Supreme Court ruled that former presidents have substantial immunity from prosecution for official acts committed while in office, but not for unofficial acts. However, the justices did not rule on whether Trump's alleged actions to overturn the 2020 election results fall under official or unofficial acts.

Biden seized the opportunity to question Donald Trump's fitness for public office in light of the ruling. He brought up Trump's assault on democracy during the January 6th Capitol riot and asked if the American people wanted to entrust the presidency to him again.

Biden Condemns Supreme Court Ruling on Trump Immunity, Cites Jan. 6

The president emphasized that knowing he will be emboldened by the immunity ruling, Trump will be more likely to act as he pleases. Biden also drew a sharp contrast with George Washington's belief in limited presidential power.

Former President Trump hailed the Supreme Court's decision as a victory for the Constitution and democracy, claiming it would end Biden's supposed witch hunts against him. Trump's statement on his social media platform Truth Social denounced the charges against him as hoaxes and politically motivated.

Biden Condemns Supreme Court Ruling on Trump Immunity, Cites Jan. 6

Notably, Biden abruptly ended his address and dodged questions from reporters, leaving unanswered whether he plans to withdraw from the upcoming presidential race following his debated performance against Trump. Biden has recently avoided taking questions from the press and relied on teleprompters at his events.

Trump shared his own reaction to the immunity ruling, declaring it a "big win" for the Constitution and democracy. He expressed confidence that the decision would lead to the dismissal or abandonment of many of the cases against him.

Biden Condemns Supreme Court Ruling on Trump Immunity, Cites Jan. 6

The former president maintains his innocence in all charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump has asserted that the prosecutions are politically motivated and aimed at preventing him from running for office again.

Despite the Supreme Court's ruling, Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into Trump's involvement in the January 6th riot continues. Smith indicted Trump in August 2023 on charges of conspiring to overturn the election results.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges and argues that his actions as president should be immune from prosecution. The ongoing legal battle will have significant implications for future presidential accountability and the potential consequences of Trump's actions on January 6th.