Washington DC, United States

US President Joe Biden on Monday (Jul 1) warned that the Supreme Court's landmark ruling granting ex-president Donald Trump "absolute immunity" sets a "dangerous precedent" that the Republican would not shy from exploiting if elected in November.

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"This nation was founded on the principle that there are no kings in America," said the Democrat presumptive presidential candidate for the 2024 US elections.

"Each of us is equal before the law. No one — no one — is above the law, not even the President of the United States."

Also read | Donald Trump has 'absolute immunity' for official acts, rules US supreme court

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"No limits"

Addressing the press at the White House, Biden said that "for all practical purposes today's decision almost certainly means there are no limits to what a president can do. This is a fundamentally new principle, and it's a dangerous precedent."

"Any president—including Donald Trump—will now be free to ignore the law," said Biden, urging the people to decide if they once again want to "entrust" Trump with the Presidency.

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"The American people must decide if they want to entrust… once again, the presidency to Donald Trump, now knowing he'll be more emboldened to do whatever he pleases, whenever he wants to do it," he said.

Donald Trump is charged with conspiracy attempt to defraud America and the obstruction of an official proceeding - elections. He allegedly did this by rallying his supporters on January 6, 2021, to prevent the joint session of Congress from being held to certify Biden's win in the election.

"The public has a right to know the answer about what happened on January 6, before they're asked to vote again this year," Biden said, adding, "Now because of today's decision, that is highly, highly unlikely. It's a terrible disservice to the people of this nation."

Also read | Jan 6 Capitol attack: Trump-ally Bannon surrenders for four-month jailtime

Trump's "big win"

Republican Donald Trump, on the other hand, welcomed the ruling. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, he labelled the decision a "big win for our Constitution and democracy."

"Today's Historic Decision by the Supreme Court should end all of Crooked Joe Biden's Witch Hunts against me," he proclaimed.

Watch | Donald Trump has immunity for official acts, US Supreme Court rules

Supreme Court Judgement and Trump's "absolute immunity"

On Monday, a bench of Supreme Court justices in a 6-3 ruling said that Trump — and all the US presidents — enjoy "absolute immunity" from criminal prosecution for "official acts" taken while in office. However, they can still face criminal penalties for "unofficial acts," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)