President Biden Calls for Supreme Court Reforms in Landmark Speech at LBJ Library, Emphasizes Legacy and Civil Rights

President Joe Biden marked the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act on Monday with a visit to the LBJ Presidential Library, where he delivered remarks on his new proposals to reform the U.S. Supreme Court. This speech was his first significant address since announcing his decision to exit the 2024 presidential race.

Speaking in Austin, Texas, Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to protect civil rights and called for reforms to the Supreme Court. His proposals include implementing term limits for justices, establishing an enforceable code of conduct, and proposing a constitutional amendment to prevent presidential immunity. However, these reforms face significant challenges in a politically divided Congress, where a Republican-controlled House and a closely divided Senate reduce the likelihood of approval.

“In recent years, extreme opinions that the Supreme Court has handed down have undermined long established civil rights principles and protections,” Biden stated. He expressed his respect for institutions and the separation of powers as outlined in the Constitution but criticized the current state of affairs, noting, “What’s happening now is not consistent with that doctrine of separation of powers. Extremism is undermining the public confidence in the court’s decisions.”

Biden cited recent Supreme Court decisions as the impetus for his reform proposals, accusing the court of undermining long-established civil rights protections. He expressed particular concern over the Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump vs. the United States, which established that a sitting president could have immunity for potential crimes committed while in office. “This nation is founded on the principle that there are no kings in America. Each of us is equal before the law. No one is above the law!” Biden asserted.

The significance of Biden’s remarks was heightened by the setting—he is the first sitting president since Lyndon B. Johnson to not seek reelection. With his focus now shifted from the campaign trail, Biden is intent on “finishing the job” in the final months of his presidency, aiming to solidify the legacy of his long political career.

Stephen Benjamin, director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, emphasized Biden’s determination to make the remaining months of his presidency impactful. “The president is focused like a laser beam on making sure that the next six months matter to the American people,” Benjamin told reporters. He added that Biden is actively seeking input from both within his administration and across the country, asking, “What is left undone, what else do we need to work to secure?”

Benjamin also indicated that Biden’s priorities would include holding the Supreme Court accountable, strengthening the economy, and reducing prices for American families. Biden’s proposal for an 18-year term limit for Supreme Court justices is aimed at ensuring the court undergoes regular changes and reducing the potential for any one presidency to have disproportionate influence on future generations. “That would make timing for the court’s nomination more predictable and less arbitrary,” Biden explained, arguing that such a measure would diminish the impact of an “extreme court attacking the confirmation process.”

Despite Biden’s push for these reforms, congressional Republicans have already signaled strong opposition. House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed the proposed Supreme Court reforms as “dangerous” and declared them “dead on arrival in the House.” Similarly, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the administration’s push for reform, arguing that it stems from political disagreements with the court’s recent decisions. “Why is the Biden Harris administration so willing to put the crown jewel of our system of government, the independent judiciary, to the torch? Because it stands in their way,” McConnell argued.

Biden concluded his speech by speaking about Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been supportive of his court reform proposals and is now the leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination. “I’ve made clear how I feel about Kamala,” Biden said. “She has been a champion of rights throughout her career. She will continue to be an inspiring leader and project the very ideal of America.”

This speech underscores Biden’s commitment to ensuring that his remaining time in office is used to advocate for significant reforms and to leave a lasting impact on the country. His focus on the Supreme Court, civil rights, and the economy highlights his priorities as he seeks to cement his legacy in his final months as president.