Ted Cruz Discusses Presidential Immunity on Fox News
On Wednesday, Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz joined Fox News to discuss former President Barack Obama’s immunity amidst ongoing conversations about presidential accountability.
National Intelligence Director Tarshi Gabbard disclosed documents suggesting that the Obama administration might have withheld the president’s daily briefing in December 2016. During his appearance on “Ingraham’s Angle,” Cruz expressed his disagreement with the notion that Obama or any president possesses absolute immunity from legal repercussions.
“What the Supreme Court stated in the immunity case is quite complicated. Official decisions are indeed protected by official immunity. It’s obvious that Barack Obama, for instance, authorized the drone strike on American citizen Anwar al-Awlaki,” Cruz noted. “That was an official action, so he can’t be prosecuted for it. That’s what the Supreme Court determined. Just like FDR couldn’t face prosecution for dropping atomic bombs or Truman for his actions,” he added.
Cruz acknowledged that this immunity is not infinite, reflecting the Supreme Court’s stance that presidents are shielded from prosecution for actions taken in their official duties.
“In reality, there are numerous instances, like Truman’s atomic bombings or FDR’s internment of Japanese citizens. The key point is that these are official presidential decisions,” Cruz explained. (Related: Tulsi Gabbard claims Obama and the “propaganda media” overlook a crucial aspect regarding Russian collusion)
Ingraham pressed Cruz on whether Obama’s actions could indeed be classified as official decisions.
“There will undoubtedly be ongoing debates on that,” Cruz remarked. “I would say he won’t face charges for rebellion, but criminal liability could extend to some members of the Obama administration who have lied under oath before Congress.”
On Wednesday, Gabbard mentioned that she had referred Obama to the Department of Justice for potential prosecution. Just a day prior, Trump had urged the Justice Department to investigate Obama, labeling his actions as “treason” during a press conference in the Oval Office.
In response, Obama spokesperson Patrick Rodenbush issued a rare statement, describing the allegations as absurd and politically charged.
“Out of respect for the presidency, we typically refrain from engaging with the constant stream of nonsense and misinformation that comes from this White House,” Rodenbush stated. “However, these claims are outrageous enough to warrant a response. Such bizarre allegations are weak attempts at distraction.”
