Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has threatened to bring articles of impeachment against the Supreme Court following a controversial ruling.
According to Fox News, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., announced her intention to file articles of impeachment against the Supreme Court after its ruling on presidential immunity for former President Donald Trump.
Ocasio-Cortez's threat came in response to a Supreme Court decision that grants a president absolute immunity from prosecution for actions within their conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority. The ruling also provides "presumptive immunity" for official acts in general, though it does not extend to unofficial acts.
The congresswoman expressed her concerns on X, stating that the ruling represents an attack on American democracy and declaring her intention to defend the nation from what she described as an authoritarian capture. She stated:
The Supreme Court has become consumed by a corruption crisis beyond its control. Today’s ruling represents an assault on American democracy. It is up to Congress to defend our nation from this authoritarian capture. I intend on filing articles of impeachment upon our return.
The Supreme Court's ruling, delivered on Monday, has sparked significant controversy among congressional Democrats. The decision states that a president has absolute immunity from prosecution for actions taken within their conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority. Additionally, there is "presumptive immunity" for official acts, though unofficial acts are not protected.
Ocasio-Cortez's response was swift and direct. She argued that the Supreme Court has become entangled in a corruption crisis and that Congress must act to preserve American democracy. Despite reaching out to Ocasio-Cortez's office for further clarification on whom she intends to impeach, Fox News Digital did not receive an immediate response.
Other prominent Democrats have also voiced their disapproval of the ruling. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued strong statements condemning the decision.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., vowed that House Democrats would engage in aggressive oversight and legislative activity concerning the Supreme Court. Jeffries emphasized the importance of bringing what he described as "extreme, far-right justices" into compliance with the Constitution. He argued that granting legal immunity to a former president for crimes committed under official power sets a dangerous precedent.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., echoed these sentiments in his own statement. He stressed that the foundation of the judicial system is that no one should be above the law. Schumer criticized the ruling for potentially protecting serious offenses such as treason or incitement of insurrection, which he believes should not be considered core constitutional powers afforded to a president.
Schumer's statement on X highlighted the broader implications of the decision. He described the day as sad for both America and democracy, emphasizing the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions.
The Supreme Court's ruling leaves critical questions unanswered. While it provides immunity for official acts, it did not specify whether any of Trump's alleged actions fall under his constitutional powers. This ambiguity means that lower courts must address these issues, potentially leading to further legal battles and political debate.
In her remarks on X, Ocasio-Cortez was unequivocal about her intentions. She stated that today's ruling represents an assault on American democracy and that it is up to Congress to defend the nation. Her call to action reflects a broader concern among Democrats about the direction of the Supreme Court and its recent decisions.
The response to the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity has been swift and forceful. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's threat to bring articles of impeachment underscores the deep divisions and concerns among congressional Democrats. The ruling grants a president substantial immunity for official acts but leaves critical questions for lower courts to resolve. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have vowed to pursue oversight and legislative actions in response.
