US President Joe Biden’s sweeping new Covid-19 vaccination mandates are sparking a backlash from some Republicans in the land of individual freedom, setting up potential court battles. After months of seeking to boost vaccination rates through gentle persuasion and incentives, the Democratic president made it clear that he was fed up as the Delta variant sends Covid cases surging across the country.

Biden directly addressed the estimated 80 million eligible Americans who have not yet got the shot against a disease that has left 650,000 people dead in the United States. Biden’s plan mandates vaccinations for all federal employees and contractors and businesses with more than 100 employees. Companies could face fines if they do not comply. Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said Friday that while he supports the vaccine, getting the shot should be the individual choice of every American.