Joy Reid spurs debate as she likens SCOTUS' Trump immunity ruling to 'Game of Thrones' power play
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Joy Reid of MSNBC has joined a chorus of critics lambasting the Supreme Court's recent decision granting partial immunity to former President Donald Trump.
Drawing a comparison to the intricate power struggles depicted in HBO’s 'Game of Thrones'. Reid colorfully interpreted the implications of the 6-3 ruling, which effectively delayed Trump's trial for election interference until after the upcoming November election.
Joy Reid draws parallel to 'Game of Thrones' in critique of SCOTUS' Trump ruling
In her impassioned commentary, Joy Reid likened the Court's alignment with Donald Trump to the dynamics of Westeros, where the Hand of the King often wields considerable influence, especially when the ruler is young, old, or erratic. She said:
“It was something to read today, both the decision and the dissent. And I guess the sort of best way for me to sum it up is — I don’t know if everyone here watches ‘Game of Thrones', but if you’re a ‘Game of Thrones’ fan, you will note that in Westeros, there was a king, and then there was the hand of the king. And what I think you saw in this ruling today was the Supreme Court declare their preferred president, of course, because they know no Democrat would exercise these powers in the way they would very much like their next president to. They’ve declared the presidents and former presidents to be kings. But they’ve also declared themselves the hand of the king.”
Joy Reid spotlights Justice Ketanji Jackson's dissent on the Court's power shift
She further articulated her concerns by quoting Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s dissent, particularly highlighting Jackson's critique that the Court’s decision undermines legislative authority and significantly amplifies both presidential powers and its own influence. Reid quoted Jackson as saying:
“‘With its adoption of a paradigm that sometimes exempts the president from the dictates of the law when the court says so, this court has effectively snatched from the legislature the authority to bind the president — or not — to Congress’ mandates. And it has also thereby substantially augmented the power of both the office of the presidency and itself.’”
Joy Reid questions Justice John Roberts' argument on presidential immunity
Reid challenged Chief Justice John Roberts’ argument that absolute immunity is necessary for presidential boldness and decisiveness, countering with historical examples of past presidents’ bold actions such as Harry Truman’s decision to deploy nuclear weapons during World War II. She questioned:
“One wonders, then, how previous presidents have figured out how to implement the Trail of Tears and force Indigenous people to march along with enslaved people across this country, mainly to their deaths; how President Lincoln essentially deleted $10 billion worth of human property from every state in rebellion by fiat; how — let’s talk about the presidents in the 20th century — Harry Truman unleashed a nuclear holocaust on two parts of Japan. He did that boldly and decisively without fear of prosecution. How, then, does a new president, a future president, need such boldness to come from the fiat of the Supreme Court?”
Her dialogue with colleague Chris Hayes underscored a skepticism towards the Court’s rationale, asserting that presidential boldness has historically been exercised without the need for absolute immunity from legal repercussions. Hayes commented: “There has been no lack of boldness and decisiveness from American presidents and executives through the years, particularly when operating in the conduct of war.”
Public outcry reflects deep discontent with the Supreme Court's ruling
The reaction to the Supreme Court's decision regarding Donald Trump's immunity has been swift and intense, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the perceived implications of the ruling.
Social media platforms have become arenas for public outrage, with comments echoing a sense of betrayal and frustration towards the highest court in the land.
One user wrote, "Impeach those judges please."
Another user commented, "I’m so disgusted with this Supreme Court…. I’m starting to not believe in our justice system."
One user replied, "Get the traitors out."
Another added, "A corrupt court makes illegitimate rulings."
One said, "Shameful! No more lifetime appointments for the high court that needs to be law ASAP!!!!!!"
Another commented, "NOBODY deserves that kind of power. Where will the abuse of power end if there is immunity?"
One wrote, "Joy really gets the point. This is a declaration of war, nothing less."
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.
