Internet stunned as Sonia Sotomayor says SC's immunity ruling for Trump makes president 'king above law'
WASHINGTON, DC: The Supreme Court ruled on Monday, July 1, that former President Donald Trump is entitled to some level of immunity from prosecution.
The decision may effectively delay the trial of the case against him on charges of plotting to subvert the 2020 election.
'President have some immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts', says Chief Justice John Roberts
The vote was six to three, dividing along partisan lines, with Chief Justice John Roberts writing the majority opinion and the three liberal justices dissenting.
“This case is the first criminal prosecution in our Nation’s history of a former President for actions taken during his Presidency,” Roberts wrote, adding “We are called upon to consider whether and under what circumstances such a prosecution must succeed."
"We conclude that under our constitutional structure of separated powers, the nature of Presidential power requires that a former President have some immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts during his tenure in office,” the chief justice wrote, according to The Hill.
Sonia Sotomayor says the 'president is now a king above the law'
Justice Sonia Sotomayor did not hold back in her dissent. “Let the President violate the law, let him exploit the trappings of his office for personal gain, let him use his official power for evil ends," she wrote in her dissent, according to CNN.
"Because if he knew that he may one day face liability for breaking the law, he might not be as bold and fearless as we would like him to be. That is the majority’s message today," she further wrote.
"Even if these nightmare scenarios never play out, and I pray they never do, the damage has been done. The relationship between the President and the people he serves has shifted irrevocably. In every use of official power, the President is now a king above the law,” Sotomayor continued.
She further highlighted Trump's abuse of powers as she said, “Orders the Navy’s Seal Team 6 to assassinate a political rival? Immune. Organizes a military coup to hold onto power? Immune. Takes a bribe in exchange for a pardon? Immune. Immune, immune, immune.”
Sotomayor concluded her dissent with a stark warning. “With fear for our democracy, I dissent,” she stated, deviating from the traditional “respectfully” language.
Internet asks 'shall we start calling Biden His Majesty?'
The decision has sparked widespread reactions online with many expressing their dismay and concern.
One user on X wrote, “I’m so disgusted.” Another commented, “If SCOTUS grants Trump a full immunity, then it means that the immunity is also undoubtedly provided to sitting president as well. For that the first order of action for Biden is to dismantle SCOTUS and replace them with his judges. Let the immunity games begin.”
Others questioned the implications for the current President. “So that means the same for Biden?” one user asked. Another sarcastically added, “Shall we start calling Biden ‘His Majesty?’”
The ruling has led to a broader discussion about the balance of power in the United States. “We are officially a dictatorship,” one user declared.
If SCOTUS grants Trump a full immunity, then it means that the immunity is also undoubtedly provided to sitting president as well. For that the first order of action for Biden is to dismantle SCOTUS and replace them with his judges. Let the immunity games begin.
— CK14 (@palazzo214) July 1, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
