Louisiana Senator John Kennedy (R) blamed the Justice Department for overstepping its authority, leading to the Supreme Court’s decision to grant presidential immunity. He made his remarks in response to Senator Richard Blumenthal’s (D-CT) criticism of the court’s conservative majority.
Kennedy stated on Fox News’ The Story With Martha MacCallum that Blumenthal was incorrect in his assessment, as the Justice Department brought the case upon itself. He noted that the department had asked for the Supreme Court’s opinion and received it, but added that it was predictable based on the law. According to Kennedy, the Constitution and common sense demonstrate that the Justice Department cannot criminally prosecute a president for an official act.
The senator then suggested that the Supreme Court’s decision was motivated by the court’s desire to help President Joe Biden’s reelection bid. He claimed that Trump v. United States was always a politically charged case and that it was easy for the court to come to its conclusion.
In response to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ (D-NY) statement that House Democrats would engage in aggressive oversight and legislative activity regarding the Supreme Court, Kennedy argued that Jeffries views Supreme Court justices as “politicians in robes.” Kennedy countered that it is the justices’ responsibility to explain the Constitution, which they did with their “very balanced” decision.
The Supreme Court’s decision on Trump v. United States ruled that presidents have at least presumptive immunity from prosecution for official acts during their presidency, with the 6-3 decision coming to a halt. The decision is expected to delay special counsel Jack Smith’s case against former President Donald Trump.
Trump campaign adviser Alina Habba has doubted that a trial for Smith’s case will be held before the 2024 election, describing Trump’s legal battles as “election interference at its finest.” Habba also thanked the Supreme Court for recognizing the constitutional rights of presidents.
