US President Joe Biden criticized the Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, which was seen as a victory for his rival, former President Donald Trump, calling it a dangerous precedent that does a disservice to the American people, reported Reuters and France Press, quoted by BTA.
In a calm, measured speech from the White House, Biden said the ruling meant it was highly unlikely Trump would be tried before the Nov. 5 election for his role in trying to overturn the 2020 election.
Yesterday, the US Supreme Court found that Trump could not be prosecuted for actions that were within his constitutional powers as president but could be prosecuted for private actions, in a landmark ruling that for the first time any form of presidential immunity from prosecution is recognized.
"This nation was founded on the principle that there are no kings in America. Everyone, every one of us is equal before the law. No one, no one is above the law. Even the president of the United States," said Biden. With yesterday's decision, he said, "that changed fundamentally.
Biden is running for re-election, and Trump is his main rival. The incumbent president sharply criticized his rival's actions related to the invasion of Trump supporters at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
"Now the man who sent that mob into the US Capitol is facing potential criminal charges for what happened that day. The American people deserve to be answered in court before the upcoming election,'' Biden said, referring to Trump being on trial for his role in inciting the riot.
Biden emphasized that the public has a right to know the results of this prosecution before the November election. "Now, because of today's decision, that is very, very unlikely. It is a terrible disservice to the people of this country."
Biden, 81, made his first White House speech since his shaky debate against Trump last week led to calls for him to step down as Democratic leader for the election. After he lost his train of thought on the debate stage in Atlanta, his words and behavior will be scrutinized for signs that he is ready to run for re-election and lead the country for another four years, Reuters notes.
Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said yesterday that Americans want to be "sure" that Joe Biden is "honest about his condition," in an interview quoted by AFP.
"People want to know that this campaign can win, that the president and his team are honest with us about his condition, that (Thursday's debate with Donald Trump) really was an anomaly,'' the senator from Rhode Island said. .