Thanks to presidential immunity and executive control of the Justice Department, there are no consequences to executive branch lawbreaking. And when it comes to presidential lawbreaking, the sitting president could literally strangle someone to death on national television and meet with no consequences.

In this quote, Ben Shapiro is criticizing the concept of presidential immunity and the lack of consequences for potential lawbreaking within the executive branch of the U.S. government. Shapiro argues that due to the unique powers of the president, particularly the executive control over the Justice Department, a sitting president is essentially above the law. The statement emphasizes how this immunity can enable the president to act without facing legal repercussions for actions that might be considered criminal if committed by others.

Shapiro’s example of the president potentially committing an extreme act, like strangling someone to death on national television, serves as a rhetorical exaggeration to highlight the perceived impunity of the office. It suggests that no matter how serious or public the offense, a sitting president could avoid prosecution or any form of punishment due to the protections afforded by presidential immunity. This is a critique of the legal framework that, in Shapiro's view, allows the executive branch to act with little to no accountability, which he sees as a fundamental flaw in the system.

The quote also speaks to the broader issue of the separation of powers and the checks and balances that are supposed to prevent any one branch of government, including the executive, from becoming too powerful. Shapiro’s statement points out the potential dangers of a system that does not adequately hold the president accountable for misconduct, creating an environment where the president could act without fear of reprisal. In this sense, the quote suggests a deep concern about abuse of power and the erosion of democratic safeguards.

Originating from Shapiro's typically bold and provocative commentary on U.S. politics, the quote reflects his skepticism about the accountability of political figures, particularly those in positions of great power like the president. His criticism of the lack of consequences for presidential actions reflects his broader concerns about the integrity of the political system and the potential for unchecked authority within the highest office of the land.