On Monday, President Joe Biden criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity, warning that the decision poses significant risks to democratic principles. The Court’s 6-3 ruling granted presidents immunity for some “official acts,” though it did not clearly define what separates official from unofficial actions.

Biden addressed the nation from the White House, warning that the ruling could lead to an unchecked presidency. “Today’s decision almost certainly means that there are virtually no limits on what a president can do. This is a fundamentally new principle, and it’s a dangerous precedent,” Biden remarked. “The power of the office will no longer be constrained by the law, even including the Supreme Court of the United States. The only limits will be self-imposed.”

The president also pointed to the ruling’s impact on prosecuting former President Donald Trump, who has faced accusations of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. “The American people will have to do what the court should have been willing to do but did not. The American people have to render a judgment about Donald Trump’s behavior,” Biden urged.

Biden echoed the sentiments of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who dissented out of concern for the country’s future. “So should the American people dissent, I dissent. May God bless you all. May God help preserve our democracy. Thank you,” Biden said in closing.