The court ruling means it is unlikely that Trump will have to go to trial before the November 5 election, Biden said, warning that this could turn US presidents into kings.

The court found that Trump could not be prosecuted for any actions within his constitutional powers as president, but could be prosecuted for private acts. It was a landmark ruling that for the first time recognized any form of presidential immunity from prosecution.

"This nation was founded on the principle that there is no king in America. Each of us is equal before the law. No one is above the law. Not even the President of the United States," Biden said in his speech.

He said the court's ruling meant there were now virtually no limits on what a president could do. "This is a dangerous precedent, because the power of the office will no longer be limited by law. The only limits will be those imposed by the president himself," he said.

The remarks came in President Biden’s first White House remarks since last week’s debate with former President Trump, which led to calls for Biden to drop out of the race for the Democratic nomination.

After a stumbling performance on the debate stage at CNN headquarters, Mr. Biden's statements and behavior are being closely scrutinized for signs that he is capable of running for re-election and leading the country for another four years.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)