President Biden criticized the Supreme Court’s view on presidential immunity during the June 27 presidential debate.
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Andrew Harnick/Getty Images
President Biden called the Supreme Court’s decision to grant his predecessor, Republican Donald Trump, broad immunity from prosecution “a dangerous precedent” that “undermines the rule of law.”
“Today’s decision will almost certainly mean there will be few limits on the president’s actions,” Biden said. “The power of the office will no longer be limited by law, not even the U.S. Supreme Court. The only limits will be imposed by the president himself.”
Biden’s remarks at the White House came hours after the court ruled 6-3 along ideological lines that the former president had absolute immunity from his core constitutional powers and was entitled to immunity for his official actions, but Lack of immunity for unofficial conduct. The court sent the case back to the trial judge to determine what, if any, of Trump’s actions were part of his official duties and therefore immune from prosecution.
Biden said the court’s ruling “puts almost no limits on the president’s conduct,” all but ensuring that Trump will not be tried for his role in efforts to derail the transfer of power.
“Now the American people are going to have to do what the courts should be willing to do, but not … pass judgment on the conduct of Donald Trump,” Biden said.
Biden, who faced pressure from fellow Democrats to drop out of the race after a strong performance in last week’s presidential debate, did not answer any questions. He sounded clear and calm in his statement.
But since that debate, he has held several events in hopes of convincing his supporters that he can do the job. On Friday, the day after the debate, Biden held a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, to try to convince supporters he could still do the job. What’s more, he spent the weekend doing damage control, telling donors and others that he understood their concerns.
“I had a bad night,” he told supporters gathered at the home of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Saturday night. “But I will fight harder and need you to join me in getting the job done.”
