House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), in an interview on Monday with CNN’s The Situation Room, delivered a sharp criticism of the Supreme Court’s recent decision, declaring that the institution had “enabled” former President Donald Trump to behave like a king—something he called shameful and completely outside the boundaries of democracy.
According to Jeffries, the Court’s ruling was not merely a legal matter, but an act that undermines the balance of power and opens the door to abuse by the executive branch. He emphasized that American democracy is built on the principle of separation of powers, and when the nation’s highest court chooses to turn a blind eye to the overreach of authority, it poses a serious threat to the political future of the country.
Jeffries also warned that American citizens must remain cautious and aware of how such rulings affect their rights and the integrity of the democratic system. He stressed that allowing a president to enjoy privileged treatment under the law is something that should never occur in a nation that prides itself on freedom and equal justice for all.
In his statement, he added: “One thing to understand, for those flirting with the Trump administration, for those doing its dirty work, or those engaged in its corrupt ‘pay-to-play’ schemes, is that the statute of limitations is five years.”
This was a pointed reminder that every individual, regardless of political position or financial power, remains accountable for their actions over a significant period of time and cannot escape responsibility simply by hiding behind temporary power.
Jeffries called this situation not only unacceptable but also a loud alarm bell for all those who believe in the rule of law. He argued that if the Supreme Court grants such privileges to one individual, it undermines the very foundation upon which the Constitution is built.
The House Democratic leader reminded the public that no president should be above the law, regardless of political force or support they might enjoy. He emphasized that democracy does not function on the strength of individual leaders, but on the resilience of institutions that maintain balance and control among the branches of government.
Speaking further, he warned that Americans must not fall prey to the normalization of authoritarian behavior. For Jeffries, the key lesson of this moment is that any decision that grants unlimited power to a single individual can turn into a dangerous precedent for the future.
He explained that these developments should not be seen merely as a political debate between Democrats and Republicans, but as a national issue that touches every citizen. In the end, he called for vigilance, unity, and a shared commitment to democratic values.
Jeffries’s statement reflects the growing concern among Democrats, who see in Trump—and in the rulings that favor him—a clear trend toward the erosion of American democracy.
He described the situation as a historic moment where, if unchecked, the consequences could be severe and felt for many years to come.
In his opinion, the Supreme Court should not serve as a shield for a single individual, but as the ultimate guarantor of equality and justice for all citizens.
He stressed that those who support or benefit from the Trump administration should be aware that their actions will be judged not only by history but also by the law.
Jeffries underscored that American law is not just a written text, but a moral contract that protects citizens from the abuse of power.
According to him, the Supreme Court’s ruling is not just a legal misstep, but a wound that could weaken public trust in the nation’s institutions.
He urged citizens not to neglect elections and the democratic process, because every vote is a means of safeguarding freedoms that were earned with great sacrifice.
Jeffries also pointed out that American history is filled with moments when power tried to seize more authority than it was entitled to—but there have always been voices to challenge it.
For him, this period is not an exception but a new test for the strength of American institutions and for the people themselves.
He closed his remarks by saying that democracy is never guaranteed once and for all; it must be defended and strengthened every single day, or else it risks being lost.