Quoting from Sotomayer’s dissent (pp 29-30, paragraphing my own):
This new official-acts immunity now “lies
about like a loaded weapon” for any President that wishes
to place his own interests, his own political survival, or his
own financial gain, above the interests of the Nation. Kore-
matsu v. United States, 323 U. S. 214, 246 (1944) (Jackson,
J., dissenting).
The President of the United States is the
most powerful person in the country, and possibly the
world.
When he uses his official powers in any way, under
the majority’s reasoning, he now will be insulated from
criminal prosecution.
Orders the Navy’s Seal Team 6 to as-
sassinate a political rival? Immune.
Organizes a military coup to hold onto power? Immune.
Takes a bribe in ex-
change for a pardon?
Immune. Immune, immune, immune.
They go on with an incisive critique of the majority’s reasoning:
Let the President violate the law, let him exploit the trap-
pings of his office for personal gain, let him use his official
power for evil ends. Because if he knew that he may one
day face liability for breaking the law, he might not be as
bold and fearless as we would like him to be. That is the
majority’s message today.
Quoting from Sotomayer’s dissent (pp 29-30, paragraphing my own):
They go on with an incisive critique of the majority’s reasoning:
Sotomayor is behind the times.
They’re not “bribes” anymore, they’re “donations” now.