President Joe Biden criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling that grants former President Donald Trump legal immunity for many actions leading up to the January 6, 2021, insurrection, stating that it effectively removes limits on presidential conduct.
Biden remarked, “Any president, including Donald Trump, will now be free to ignore the law,” upon his return to the White House. He labeled the decision as setting “a fundamentally new principle and a dangerous precedent,” and assured he wouldn’t break the law while in office.
In a controversial 6-3 decision, the court’s conservative justices ruled that Trump has complete immunity for “official” presidential actions but not for “private” ones.
The case was sent back to a lower court to determine which actions, such as pressuring state officials to create fraudulent Electoral College electors, fall in between these categories.
This decision likely prevents a trial on Trump’s election subversion charges before the November 2024 election.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in a dissent, said the majority opinion undermines the principle that no one is above the law, creating a “law-free zone” around the President. Biden’s comments come amidst scrutiny of his political future following a lackluster debate performance, with some Democrats calling for a younger candidate like Vice President Kamala Harris.
Despite calls for his withdrawal, Biden’s supporters, including family and elected officials, argue he should continue his campaign. To reassure the public of his capability, Biden is scheduled for several public events, including a Medal of Honor ceremony and a July Fourth barbecue.
Biden emphasized the importance of the November election, stating the American people must judge Trump’s behavior and its implications for democracy, warning that Trump’s return would embolden him further.
