Raskin accused the Supreme Court of being so biased in favor of former President Trump that it might as well move its offices to the Republican National Committee headquarters. He criticized the conservative majority for being sympathetic and “partisan” towards Trump, referring to them as “politicians who are not even subject to popular election.” Raskin, a vocal critic of Trump and the Supreme Court, previously demanded the recusal of Justice Clarence Thomas from cases involving Trump due to his wife’s involvement in Republican politics. Raskin’s comments came after conservative justices on the court seemed open to granting some form of immunity to presidents, potentially delaying Trump’s pending criminal cases. He also highlighted the potential consequences of allowing a sitting president to face criminal prosecution, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful transition of power in a democratic society.
Raskin criticized Justice Alito’s remarks, stating that they align with President Trump’s “narcissistic criminal worldview” and his belief that being held accountable would lead to “violent coups.”
The congressman found Justice Alito’s question to be the most surprising part of the day, highlighting how it implies that holding the president accountable for crimes like murder or staging a coup could provoke more violent actions to maintain power.
He emphasized the importance of subjecting presidents to criminal prosecution if they break the law, as has been the norm throughout American history.
Raskin condemned the notion that holding Trump accountable would result in more violence, labeling it as “masochistic capitulationism to Donald Trump’s authoritarianism.”
He stressed that no one, not even the president, is above the law and criticized justices for suggesting otherwise.
Mr. Raskin’s remarks shed light on the concerning trend of allowing political influence to dictate legal proceedings.
Sam Dorman contributed to this report.
