President Joe Biden is reportedly contemplating support for various Supreme Court reforms, including the termination of lifetime appointments, as reported by American media outlets.
Such endorsement would signify a significant shift for the Democratic president. This comes in the wake of several high-profile decisions by the Supreme Court, including the elimination of federal abortion rights and a ruling granting Donald Trump immunity from prosecution for “official acts” during his presidency.
CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, reported that Mr Biden was exploring the implementation of term limits for justices, who currently serve lifetime appointments, and strengthening the court’s ethical guidelines. However, passing such changes would be challenging in a divided Congress.
During a weekend conference call, Mr Biden reportedly informed Democrats in the Congressional Progressive Caucus that he was collaborating with experts on reforms, which would be announced in the near future, according to a source familiar with the call.
When questioned about the proposed changes and potential announcement timing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to provide further details.
Donald Trump criticized what he termed an “illegal and unconstitutional attack on our SACRED… Supreme Court” in a post on Truth Social.
Mr Biden has historically resisted calls from his party to reform the court. Some Democrats argued that change was necessary after Trump appointed three conservative justices, resulting in a 6-3 conservative majority.
Ethical concerns have also arisen regarding the high court, with Justice Clarence Thomas accepting luxury trips from a wealthy Republican donor, and questions about his wife’s support for overturning the 2020 presidential election results.
Early in his presidency, Mr Biden established a commission to provide recommendations, but the advice was never implemented. Democrats would face significant obstacles in passing any reform through a divided Senate and a Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
The Supreme Court’s recent opinions have reflected a sharp political shift, with the conservative majority issuing several high-profile rulings affecting abortion rights, gun laws, environmental regulations, and Trump’s criminal trials.
The court also rejected Mr Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan, which would have eliminated billions in debt for Americans. On its final day of opinions, the court ruled that Trump and other presidents have broad (but not absolute) immunity from criminal prosecution for their official actions while in office.
In addition to the reforms, Mr Biden is reportedly considering support for a constitutional amendment that would eliminate the broad immunity cited by the court.
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