Biden warns Supreme Court ruling could turn presidents into kings

U.S. President Joe Biden criticized the Supreme Court’s recent decision on presidential immunity on Monday, labeling it a “dangerous precedent” that could grant unchecked power to future presidents.

Speaking from the White House, Biden urged the American people to reject former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November election.

In his measured remarks, Biden emphasized that the ruling significantly diminishes the likelihood of Trump facing trial before the Nov. 5 election for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. He warned that the decision could pave the way for U.S. presidents to act like kings.

The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling states that a president cannot be prosecuted for actions within their constitutional powers but can be held accountable for private acts. This decision marks the first recognition of any form of presidential immunity from prosecution.

This nation was founded on the principle that there are no kings in America. Each of us is equal before the law. No one is above the law. Not even the president of the United States

U.S. President Joe Biden

He asserted that the court’s decision effectively removes legal constraints on presidential actions.

“It’s a dangerous precedent because the power of the office will no longer be constrained by the law,” Biden continued. “The only limits will be self-imposed by the president alone.”

This address marked Biden’s first remarks from the White House since his shaky debate performance against Trump last week, which sparked calls for him to step aside as the Democratic Party’s candidate.

Running for reelection, Biden has been vocally critical of Trump’s actions related to the Jan. 6, 2021, raid on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters who believed his false claims of winning the 2020 election.