President Joe Biden is preparing to propose significant changes to the Supreme Court, including the introduction of term limits for justices and an enforceable ethics code, according to sources briefed on the plans. The president is also considering a constitutional amendment to eliminate broad immunity for presidents and other constitutional officeholders. These changes would require congressional approval, which is considered a long shot given the current divided Congress.
The Washington Post reports that Biden's plans include proposals for legislation to establish term limits for the justices and an enforceable ethics code. The president is also weighing whether to call for a constitutional amendment to eliminate broad immunity for presidents and other constitutional officeholders.
ABC News also reports that these changes would resonate with the president’s liberal base and come after outrage in his party over the Supreme Court’s overruling landmark decisions and ethics scandals involving Justice Clarence Thomas.
The proposed changes come amid ongoing debates about the structure and function of the Supreme Court, with critics arguing that the lifetime appointments of justices contribute to political polarization and undermine public trust in the judiciary.