By allowing presidents to evade accountability simply by labeling their actions as "official," this ruling creates a "law-free zone" around the presidency. Justice Sonia Sotomayor's dissent highlights the extreme Trumpian-like abuses of power, such as ordering the assassination of political rivals or accepting bribes for pardons. We cannot underscore enough the danger of a president using the Justice Department for personal gain, now insulated from prosecution.

This ruling sets a disasterous  precedent that will encourage future despotic presidents, like Trump, to exploit their office without fear of legal consequences. We implore Congress to act swiftly to define the limits of presidential immunity and to protect us from the collapse of our democracy.