WEB REP LIEU STATEMENT ON SCOTUS DECISION ON PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY
Statement by Congressman Ted Lieu
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Today’s Supreme Court decision in the case of Trump v. Vance is a dangerous and wrong-headed blow to the rule of law. The Court ruled 7-2 that the President of the United States cannot be subpoenaed to testify in a criminal investigation while in office. This decision is a major victory for President Trump, who has repeatedly refused to cooperate with congressional and criminal investigations into his conduct. It is also a major setback for the rule of law, which requires that no one is above the law, not even the President.
The Court’s decision is based on a flawed reading of the Constitution. The Constitution does not explicitly state that the President cannot be subpoenaed, and there is no historical evidence to support the Court’s conclusion. In fact, the Court’s decision is contradicted by centuries of precedent, including the testimony of President John Tyler before the House of Representatives in 1842. .
The Court’s decision is also a major victory for corruption. It means that the President can now engage in criminal activity without fear of being held accountable. This is a dangerous precedent that could lead to a breakdown of the rule of law and the erosion of our democracy.
I urge Congress to take action to overturn the Court’s decision. We must pass legislation that makes it clear that the President is not above the law. We must also strengthen our laws against corruption and ensure that no one is able to use their office for personal gain.
The rule of law is essential to a functioning democracy. Today’s decision is a major setback for the rule of law, and it is a victory for corruption. We must not let this decision stand.
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