JD Vance contends that US presidents require immunity to effectively perform their duties, according to the Washington Examiner
Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio argued that U.S. presidents need immunity to effectively perform their duties, ahead of a Supreme Court decision potentially impacting former President Donald Trump amidst his legal challenges. Vance emphasized that various figures in power, such as police officers and judges, are granted certain immunities, which should extend to presidents to enable them to fulfill their roles effectively. He mentioned past actions, such as those by Obama, as examples where such immunity is necessary. Vance also expressed concerns that pursuing criminal actions against former presidents could damage the U.S. Constitutional tradition and should not be politicized. He was also queried about his interest in pursuing charges against President Joe Biden, although the summary does not specify his response.
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) contended that presidents of the United States need immunity if they wish to properly carry out their presidential duties.
Presidential immunity has become contentious ahead of an anticipated Supreme Court decision, which could throw former President Donald Trump a lifeline amid his numerous legal battles. When asked if he believed presidents ought to receive presidential immunity, Vance argued that other people in positions of power enjoy “some immunity” and that this should also apply to the role of president.
“We know that the president has to have immunity to do his job,” Vance told Face the Nation. “Should Barack Obama be prosecuted for droning American citizens in Yemen? There are so many examples of presidents, Democrats and Republicans, who would not be able to discharge their duties if the Supreme Court does not recognize some broad element of presidential discretion. I’m very confident that they’re going to be able to do that, and I’m very confident that the fundamental principle here is that the president has to be able to do his job. In the same way that police officers, judges, prosecutors enjoy some immunity, that principle has to apply to the president, too.”
Vance continued that U.S. presidents seeking to jail previous presidents would lead to the “unraveling” of the U.S. Constitutional tradition, and that nobody should be in support of such weaponization of justice.
The Ohio senator was also asked if he would be interested in pursuing criminal charges against President Joe Biden in a hypothetical Trump-Vance presidency. Vance contended that such a duty would be up to the attorney general. He also rebuffed people warning that Trump could weaponize the law against his opponents, claiming that Biden is already doing this against Trump.
Earlier this month, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) stated that Biden should “pray” that the Supreme Court decides in favor of presidential immunity, arguing that the current president could otherwise be prosecuted for his “reckless” handling of the southern border. Similarly, Eric Trump has cautioned that former Presidents Barack Obama and George Bush could be investigated if his father is not granted presidential immunity.
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Vance’s support for Trump’s argument on presidential immunity comes as he is rumored to be on Trump’s shortlist for potential vice presidential candidates. The Ohio senator has stated he would “certainly” be disappointed if he is not selected for the job.
Other rumored candidates for Trump’s vice president include Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL).
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