US President Joe Biden yesterday criticized the Supreme Court on Monday for its verdict on the immunity of his predecessor, Donald Trump, warning that it creates a dangerous legal precedent.

The US Supreme Court has ruled that Trump cannot be prosecuted for acts within his constitutional powers as president, but only for private actions. This is a landmark verdict, as it recognizes for the first time a form of presidential immunity. As a result, it is unlikely that Trump will be tried before the November presidential election for his role in trying to overturn the 2020 election.

The Republican tycoon, who is vying to return to the White House, did not hide his satisfaction, speaking of a “great victory” for democracy.

A few hours later, President Joe Biden appeared particularly critical. “This state was founded on the principle that there are no kings in America. We are all equal before the law. No one is above the law. Not even the president of the United States,” he stressed. After Monday’s verdict, he added, “that has fundamentally changed.”

The 81-year-old Democratic president, who is running for re-election, has been sharply critical of his Republican predecessor – and re-opponent in the race for the White House – over his actions since their previous 2020 election showdown that led to the invasion on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021.

“Now whoever sent the mob to the US Capitol is facing criminal charges for what happened that day. The American people deserve to have the answer of justice before the upcoming elections,” said Joe Biden, recalling that Trump is accused of inciting the invasion of his supporters in the Capitol. After the Supreme Court verdict, that “is very, very unlikely,” the US president admitted.

It was the 81-year-old Biden’s first public position in the White House since his phone battle with Trump last week, which sparked intense concern among Democrats.