Supreme Court Disqualifies Trump from 2024 Poll in Colorado
The Supreme Court of Colorado has barred former US President Donald Trump from running for office again, citing his involvement in the 2021 US Capitol riot. This decision, delivered on Tuesday, applies specifically to Colorado’s state primary election on March 5, marking a pivotal use of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.
The court’s decision is a historical first, as previous attempts in New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Michigan fell short. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment disqualifies individuals engaged in insurrection against the constitution after taking an oath to support it. The justices, in their statement, expressed the gravity of their decision, emphasizing the necessity to apply the law impartially.
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, dismissed the ruling as “completely flawed,” attributing it to Democratic paranoia over Trump’s rising popularity in polls. He affirmed that an appeal to the US Supreme Court, where conservatives hold a 6 to 3 majority, would be swiftly filed.
Colorado election officials stressed the urgency of resolving the matter by January 5, the statutory deadline for setting the list of candidates for the primary. Trump’s legal team’s intention to appeal raises anticipation for further legal battles.
In 2021, Trump supporters breached Capitol Hill, resulting in four deaths, numerous injuries, and over 50 arrests. Trump’s promise to pardon rioters if re-elected in 2024 adds complexity to the situation.
Explaining the Ruling
The Supreme Court’s decision is grounded in Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, ratified between 1866 and 1868. This amendment, a post-Civil War measure, prohibits individuals from holding office if they participated in insurrection or rebellion against the United States.
Trump’s disqualification, as per Reuters, tests Section 3, which has rarely been invoked in court and is mentioned here for the first time regarding a former president. The conservative majority in the Supreme Court adds intrigue to the unfolding legal drama.
Even if the US Supreme Court upholds Colorado’s decision, it would only impact Trump’s candidacy in that state for 2024. Colorado traditionally leans Democratic, minimizing the potential harm to Trump’s broader electoral prospects.
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This decision raises significant constitutional questions and sets the stage for a legal battle with implications beyond Colorado’s borders. As the legal drama unfolds, the nation watches closely, anticipating the outcomes that could shape the future of Trump’s political career.
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