In recent days, President Joe Biden has been considering significant reforms to the Supreme Court, including term limits and an ethics code for justices. These proposals come in response to a series of controversial rulings by the court's conservative majority that have sparked criticism from Democrats and progressive groups.
According to multiple reports, Biden has discussed these changes with constitutional law experts and members of Congress, including Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Brian Schatz (HI) and Kirsten Gillibrand (NY).
The proposed reforms would require congressional approval, which could be a challenge given the current political climate and divided Congress. However, Biden's announcement of his support for these changes could galvanize his base and put pressure on Democrats to take action.
One of the most contentious issues surrounding the Supreme Court is presidential immunity. In a ruling just four days before Biden's reported plans were announced, the court ruled that Trump was immune from prosecution for official acts during his first term in office. This decision has been widely criticized by Democrats and legal experts as an overreach of executive power.
Biden is also reportedly considering calling for a constitutional amendment to eliminate broad immunity for presidents and other constitutional officeholders. However, this would face even greater challenges, requiring the support of two-thirds of both Congressional chambers or state legislatures in order to be ratified.
The Supreme Court has been a contentious issue throughout Biden's presidency. Since he took office, the court has veered sharply to the right, overturning Roe v. Wade, ending affirmative action in college admissions, weakening federal agencies' power and striking down Biden's student-loan forgiveness program.
Biden is not alone in his calls for Supreme Court reform. Some progressive groups have been pushing for changes to the court for years, arguing that it has become too politicized and needs more transparency and accountability. However, any efforts to change the court will likely be met with fierce opposition from Republicans and conservative groups.
Despite these challenges, Biden's announcement of his support for Supreme Court reform could be a significant moment in American politics. It would signal a bold stance on an issue that has become increasingly divisive and could help galvanize his base ahead of the midterm elections.
