U.S. President Joe Biden spoke out on Monday against the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on presidential immunity, calling it a “dangerous precedent” that could give presidents unchecked power.
In a press conference at the White House, Biden criticized the decision, which states that former President Donald Trump cannot be prosecuted for actions taken while he was in office, but can be held accountable for private acts.
“This nation was founded on the principle that there are no kings in America. Each of us is equal before the law. No one, no one is above the law. Not even the president of the United States,” Biden said.
Biden warned that the ruling could set a dangerous example, saying, “It’s a dangerous precedent because the power of the office will no longer be constrained by the law. The only limits will be self-imposed by the president alone.”
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He expressed concern that the decision could allow future presidents to act without legal consequences.
“Now the American people will have to do what the court should have been willing to do, but will not. The American people will render judgment on Donald Trump’s tenure.”Biden said, urging voters to make their voices heard in the upcoming November election.
Biden also reflected on his debate performance against Trump last week, acknowledging that there had been criticism of his handling of the debate.
“I concur with Justice Sotomayor’s dissent today. So should the American people dissent. I dissent. May God bless you all. May God help preserve our democracy,” Biden said, referring to the liberal justice who feared the decision threatened U.S. democracy.
House Speaker Mike Johnson responded to Biden’s comments, calling them “despicable” and “dangerous.”
Johnson accused Biden of trying to undermine the Supreme Court.
Biden also mentioned the ongoing investigation into Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
“The man who sent that mob to the U.S. Capitol is facing a potential criminal conviction for what happened that day. The American people deserve to have an answer in the courts before the upcoming election,” Biden said.
With the Supreme Court’s decision making it unlikely that Trump will face trial before the November election, Biden argued that this decision is a “terrible disservice to the people in this nation.”