WASHINGTON, July 2: President Joe Biden warned Monday that the US Supreme Courts landmark ruling on presidential immunity sets a "dangerous precedent" that Donald Trump would exploit if elected in November.
The conservative-dominated high court ruled that Trump -- and all presidents -- enjoy "absolute immunity" from criminal prosecution for "official acts" taken while in office, but can still face criminal penalties for "unofficial acts."
"For all practical purposes todays decision almost certainly means there are no limits to what a president can do. This is a fundamentally new principle, and its a dangerous precedent," Biden said in a speech at the White House.
Trump is facing criminal charges over his attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden, but that trial had been put on hold while the Supreme Court considered his immunity claims.
The 6-3 ruling on Monday, split along ideological lines, is set to further delay proceedings in that case, almost certainly to sometime after voters head to the polls in November.
"The American people must decide if they want to entrust... once again, the presidency to Donald Trump, now knowing hell be more emboldened to do whatever he pleases, whenever he wants to do it," Biden said.
Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, in his majority opinion, said a president is "not above the law" but does have "absolute immunity" from criminal prosecution for official acts taken while in office. —AFP
