In a striking political speech from the White House, President Joe Biden blasted the Supreme Court ruling that granted broad presidential immunity, condemned Donald Trump for the Jan. 6 riot, and urged voters to reject him.
Biden Criticizes Supreme Court Decision
Biden’s speech marked his first remarks from the White House since his debate with Trump last week. He called the Supreme Court decision a “terrible disservice” to the country, stating that it would make it unlikely for Trump to face trial for his role in the riot before the November election.
“The American people must decide whether Donald Trump’s assault on our democracy on Jan. 6 makes him unfit for public office in the highest office in the land. The American people must decide if Trump’s embrace of violence to preserve his power is acceptable,” Biden declared. “Perhaps most importantly, the American people must decide if they want to trust the presidency to Donald Trump.”
Concerns About Biden’s Campaign and Health
Reading from a teleprompter and not taking questions from journalists, Biden addressed concerns about his ability to campaign and hold office. These concerns arose after a debate where he struggled to respond to Trump and seemed to lose his train of thought.
Impact of the Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling narrowed the case against Trump for his alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election and remain in power. Biden argued that the decision would fundamentally change the nature of the presidency, giving presidents unprecedented authority.
“Today’s decision almost certainly means that there are virtually no limits on what a president can do,” Biden warned. “It’s a dangerous precedent.”
Shift in Biden’s Stance
Biden’s strong attack on the Supreme Court’s decision represents a shift from his earlier reluctance to comment on special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation. Last month, after a jury convicted his son Hunter on gun-related charges, the White House acknowledged it was unwise for the president to weigh in.
Legal and Political Reactions
Trump’s lawyers have used Biden’s remarks and press reports about the White House’s eagerness to see Trump prosecuted as fodder for motions to dismiss the pending federal cases for selective prosecution. Biden’s statement is also expected to feature prominently in motions claiming it will be difficult to seat a jury for the federal election-fraud case against Trump.
A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Biden’s statement suggests a conclusion that a jury trial in the Trump case before the election is unlikely.
Biden, who had been at the Camp David presidential retreat, returned to the White House slightly earlier than scheduled to deliver his remarks.
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