‘No dictators’: Bipartisan coalition pushes declaration targeting SCOTUS immunity ruling

WASHINGTON (TND) — A bipartisan coalition is pushing for lawmakers to sign the “No Dictators Declaration,” a new effort which seeks to combat potential abuses of power by presidents.

The declaration acknowledges the high court’s recent ruling that former presidents retain some immunity after leaving office. The ruling came after former President Donald Trump was convicted of falsifying business records by a Manhattan court.

The ruling increased the chances of a president using their executive powers to “clamp down on our constitutional rights,” according to the coalition.

Involved in the coalition are the American Civil Liberties Union and advocacy groups Principles First and State Democracy Defenders Action. The groups are asking lawmakers to defend the Constitution and withstand attacks on democracy.

I will live my oath of office to uphold the Constitution by working with other elected officials and the American people to safeguard our democracy against all tyrannical threats to undermine checks and balances and the rule of law,” the declaration reads in part. “Recognizing the profound impact my actions can have, I make the following commitments to defend constitutional representative democracy, which is foundation to preserving all other American freedoms and rights.”

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., is listed as one of two political figures helping lead the push. He is also joined by former Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill.

READ MORE | Schumer introduces ‘No Kings Act’ to overturn Trump’s immunity ruling

The declaration details five key objectives, including limiting a president’s ability to declare “bogus domestic and foreign emergencies” and to “use investigative and prosecutorial decisions and resources to purse vendettas against disfavored people and groups.”

While multiple points appear to reference previous actions or comments by Trump, the declaration does not name him specifically.

Rep. Raskin is known for feuding with Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., a frequent supporter of Trump. The two congressmen engaged in a fiery exchange during a meeting of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee in April, during which Rep. Comer suggested to the Democrat “you need therapy.”

“No, no. You need therapy,” Rep. Raskin fired back. “You’re the one who’s involved with the deranged politician, not me, okay? I’ve divorced myself from Donald Trump a long time ago. You’re the one who needs to disentangle from that situation.”

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