Joe Biden slammed the US Supreme Court for its ruling on Donald Trump’s immunity from criminal prosecution during an address to the nation from the White House on Monday evening.
“For all practical purposes, today’s decision almost certainly means that there are virtually no limits on what a president can do,” the Democrat said.
“This is a fundamentally new principle. And it’s a dangerous precedent.”
Earlier, the court ruled that Trump is immune from criminal prosecution for official acts conducted during his time as president – but not “unofficial” acts.
The ruling could have a huge impact on cases connected to his attempts to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election and profound consequences for any future attempts to hold former American presidents to account over crimes committed from the White House.
Trump’s defense had already been shot down by the federal judge overseeing the election interference case brought against him by special counsel Jack Smith, as well as by a unanimous panel of appeals court judges.
The 6-3 majority decision was opposed by all three liberal justices on the bench, with Sonia Sotomayor warning in her dissent: “The president is now a king above the law.”
Where do Trump’s criminal cases stand now?
The Supreme Court’s monumental decision on whether Trump is shielded from criminal prosecution for his actions in office will likely derail his election interference trial.
Alex Woodward takes a closer look.
Joe Sommerlad2 July 2024 11:30
‘Americans should be scared’: Biden allies issue forceful rhetoric after bad debate performance
President Biden’s re-election campaign has shifted into a full-court press against Trump in response to the incumbent’s disastrous debate performance last week.
On a press call Monday, Biden campaign surrogates including former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks warned that American democracy would disappear in November if Democrats and concerned Americans did not rally behind the president.
The call was organized in response to the Supreme Court’s decision granting Trump and all US presidents limited immunity from prosecution for official acts.
It also appears to be in response to newfound concerns from his own party that Biden isn’t a strong enough candidate to win the presidential election.
Here’s more from John Bowden and Andrew Feinberg.
Joe Sommerlad2 July 2024 11:00
Biden slams immunity ruling calling it ‘a terrible disservice’
After his disastrous debate performance, the president did much better yesterday responding to that shocking Supreme Court ruling, telling the nation it gives the executive office, and possibly Trump, the power “to do whatever he pleases, whenever he wants to do it.”
Here’s a full report from Andrew Feinberg.
Joe Sommerlad2 July 2024 10:30
Trump gloats on Truth Social: ‘The Supreme Court gave the Deranged One a high level SPANKING!’
The twice-impeached convicted felon running on the Republican ticket has gotten in plenty of gloating since yesterday’s ruling was announced.
Here’s his latest, taunting special counsel Jack Smith:
This is what else he had to say yesterday.
Martha McHardy has more on Trump and MAGA’s reaction.
Joe Sommerlad2 July 2024 10:00
Why is Trump still complaining?
Former president Donald Trump got almost everything he could have wanted in the past week and a half.
Nevertheless, because he is who he is, he can’t help but continue to air his grievances.
Oliver O’Connell2 July 2024 09:30
Full story: SCOTUS grants Trump immunity for ‘official’ acts in ruling that will delay trial
Former presidents have some immunity from criminal prosecution for official actions, the Supreme Court ruled on Monday – extending the delay in the criminal case against Donald Trump on charges he plotted to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss, and all but ending prospects he could be tried before the November election.
In a 6-3 decision released on Monday, the court rejected Trump’s suggestion of total immunity but said some of the actions laid out in the federal election interference indictment related to his official acts and are protected.
Ariana Baio and Alex Woodward report.
Oliver O’Connell2 July 2024 08:30
Read the Supreme Court’s ruling on Trump’s presidential immunity in full
Read the full 119-page ruling below:
Oliver O’Connell2 July 2024 07:30
Liberal justices denounce ‘nightmare’ immunity ruling
Monday’s decision radically and dangerously reshapes the presidency and “makes a mockery” of the Constitution and the idea that “no man is above the law,” according to a furious dissenting opinion from Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
Oliver O’Connell2 July 2024 06:30
MAGA-world celebrate ‘big win’ over Supreme Court immunity ruling
Martha McHardy has the story.
Oliver O’Connell2 July 2024 04:30