Rep. Smith Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Presidential Immunity

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement regarding the recent decision by Supreme Court of the United States to grant legal immunity to a former President for crimes committed using his official power.
 
“Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of the United States made a decision in Trump v. United States that was shocking for our democracy. The Court’s holding now allows the President to commit crimes as long as they do so in the course of their official duties. No one should be above the law, not even the President. 

"This case follows a number of concerning decisions made by this Supreme Court that have called their impartiality and judgment into question. Extreme decisions have diminished the right to reproductive care and undermined the ability of the government to protect the environment. They are destabilizing and devastating for our country. 

 "This decision in Trump v. United States has followed a distressing pattern of blatant partisanship from conservative justices on the Court. Justices have refused to recuse themselves from cases in which they have a personal stake, failed to report gifts and benefits from parties that have come before them, and have appeared to defer and delay certain decisions to benefit their preferred political candidate. The Supreme Court has time and time again dealt a deadly blow to its own legitimacy and reputation.  

"It has become clear that oversight is necessary. It is time for House Democrats to engage in aggressive oversight to ensure that extreme far-right ideologues on the Court are brought into compliance with the Constitution, for the sake of our democracy. ”