Senator Coons statement on Trump v. United States decision

WILMINGTON, Del. - U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement today after the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Trump v. United States, concluding that a former president is entitled to criminal immunity for official, but not unofficial, acts:

"I am disappointed by this decision, which establishes that presidents can break the law as long as they do so in an 'official' capacity. At its core, the court's ruling is deeply and inherently un-American. It violates the fundamental constitutional principle that no one is above the law. It will only serve to embolden those who seek to use the office of the presidency to undermine our democratic system, the rule of law, and the peaceful transition of power. In her dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor closed by saying that she fears for our democracy. I share that fear as well.

"Apart from blessing lawlessness, this decision will most likely delay former President Trump's criminal trial on election interference beyond Election Day, preventing the American people from casting their ballots equipped with a full accounting of President Trump's efforts to block the transfer of power following the 2020 election. However, this decision is not the end of the story. The Supreme Court made it clear that former presidents enjoy no immunity for unofficial actions, and I am confident that the special counsel will be permitted to continue to trial on at least some of his charges against former President Trump. There is nothing 'official' about an attempt to overturn a free and fair election."

Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.