International
Presidential Immunity Ruling Is Dangerous, Biden Warns
Eko Hot Blog reports that U.S. President Joe Biden has criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity, calling it a “dangerous precedent” that could turn presidents into kings.
He urged the American people to “dissent” by rejecting Donald Trump in November’s election.
Speaking from the White House, Biden expressed concern that the court’s decision, which indicated Trump was unlikely to face trial before the Nov. 5 election for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, could grant U.S. presidents unchecked power.
The ruling established that while Trump could not be prosecuted for actions within his constitutional powers as president, he could still face prosecution for private acts. This landmark decision recognized a form of presidential immunity from prosecution for the first time.
“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 stated, reading from a teleprompter.
He warned that the decision virtually removed any legal constraints on presidential actions, 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.”
EDITOR’S PICK:
- Trump Has Immunity For Actions As President – US Supreme Court
- INEC Sets The Stage For A Hitch-Free Election In Edo
- Wanted List: EFCC Ordered To Pay N3 Million Damages To Emefiele’s Wife
This marked Biden’s first public remarks at the White House since his shaky debate performance against Trump last week, which had sparked calls for him to step aside as the Democratic Party’s candidate. Following his debate stumbles, Biden’s speech and demeanour are under scrutiny as indicators of his capability to run for re-election and govern for another term.
Biden aligned himself with liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who expressed concerns for U.S. democracy in her dissenting opinion in the 6-3 decision.
“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, referring to the upcoming presidential election. “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.”
In response to Biden’s comments, House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News they were “despicable” and “dangerous,” accusing the president of “trying to undermine the Supreme Court.”
Biden, who is running for re-election against Trump, has been highly critical of his rival’s actions related to the Jan. 6, 2021, raid on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters, who believed Trump’s false claims of winning the 2020 election.
“Now 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, referencing Trump’s charges for inciting the riot.
Biden emphasized the public’s right to know the outcome of Trump’s prosecution before the November election, stating, “Now, because of today’s decision, that is highly, highly unlikely. It’s a terrible disservice to the people in this nation.”
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO OF THE WEEK:
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
