President Biden has labeled House Speaker Mike Johnson's criticism of his proposed Supreme Court reforms as "dead on arrival" in a bizarre interaction with a reporter on Monday. The exchange highlighted Biden's determination to push for changes to the nation's highest court, despite Republican opposition.
President Biden sparked controversy on Monday when he dismissed House Speaker Mike Johnson's criticism of his proposed Supreme Court reforms as "dead on arrival." The exchange came shortly after Biden had called for term limits and a code of conduct to be imposed on the High Court.
Biden Dismisses Johnson's SCOTUS Criticism as 'Dead on Arrival'
Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, condemned Biden's proposal to "radically overhaul the U.S. Supreme Court," arguing that it would "tilt the balance of power" and undermine the rule of law. He accused the Biden administration of seeking to delegitimize the court simply because they disagreed with some of its recent decisions.
When asked for his response to Johnson's criticism, Biden initially responded garbledly, before doubling down on his assertion that Johnson's thought process was "dead on arrival." Despite the unusual nature of the exchange, Biden vowed to find a way to implement his proposed changes to the Supreme Court.
Biden Dismisses Johnson's SCOTUS Criticism as 'Dead on Arrival'
Around an hour later, Biden clarified his remarks during a speech, explaining that he was referring to Johnson's thought process rather than the Republican himself. "The Republican Speaker of the House said, whatever he proposes, [is] dead on arrival," Biden told the audience. "I think his thinking is dead on arrival."
The White House and Johnson's office have yet to comment on the incident, which has further intensified the debate over the future of the Supreme Court. Biden's proposal for term limits and a code of conduct has been met with strong opposition from Republicans, who view it as an attempt to undermine the court's independence.
Biden Dismisses Johnson's SCOTUS Criticism as 'Dead on Arrival'
The controversy surrounding Biden's proposal comes amid growing public dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court. A recent poll found that only 39% of Americans approve of the Court's performance, down from 54% in 2019. The decline in public support has been attributed to a series of controversial decisions, including the overturn of Roe v. Wade and the expansion of gun rights.
Biden's proposal has been seen by some as an attempt to address public concerns about the court's legitimacy. However, it is unclear whether he will be able to secure the necessary support for his plan, given the strong opposition from Republicans.
Biden Dismisses Johnson's SCOTUS Criticism as 'Dead on Arrival'
The debate over the future of the Supreme Court is likely to continue for some time, as both sides seek to shape the nation's highest court for generations to come.
