US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced the No Kings Act on Thursday, which aims to clearly establish that US presidents and vice presidents do not enjoy immunity from federal criminal law. The legislation leans heavily on the US Constitution, including the Necessary and Proper Clause under Article 1, Section 8, which grants Congress the authority to decide the applicability of US criminal laws.
Schumer attributed the need for this bill to the framers’ intent to balance the government’s executive, legislative, and judicial powers. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing the US president from the “sacred and inviolable” king of Great Britain, stating that the president would be amenable to personal punishment should they violate US law.
The bill also addresses former presidents, such as Donald Trump, by ensuring they do not have immunity for acts committed while in office. This move follows the contentious 2024 Supreme Court case, Donald Trump v. United States, where Trump was granted immunity for all crimes committed as “official acts” while in office. The No Kings Act clarifies that the Supreme Court should have limited jurisdiction in such questions of immunity, advocating that Congress should direct the courts to resolve these issues.
Schumer highlighted the potential dangers and consequences of the Supreme Court’s ruling in his push for legislation, noting it as the fastest method to correct the precedent set by the Trump ruling. As of Thursday, the bill had the support of 34 Senate Democrats.