In a landmark ruling, the Colorado Supreme Court declared former President Donald Trump ineligible to appear on the state’s presidential primary ballot. This decision is based on Trump’s alleged involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, invoking Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars anyone engaged in “insurrection or rebellion” from holding federal office. This marks the first time a presidential candidate has been disqualified under this constitutional provision.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s decision was narrowly reached with a 4-3 ruling. It is significant not just for its immediate impact on the Colorado primary but also for setting a precedent that could influence Trump’s eligibility in other states. The ruling is expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which includes three justices appointed by Trump. The conservative majority of this court might approach the case with skepticism given their views on limiting judicial powers not explicitly defined in legislation.
This Colorado ruling stands out because it challenges the notion that the 14th Amendment’s disqualification clause does not apply to the presidency. The court contested this by pointing out that it is illogical to assume that the framers of the amendment would exclude the highest office from such a disqualification.
The dissenting justices in the Colorado Supreme Court emphasized the need for due process, arguing that Trump has not been convicted of insurrection by a jury and lacked certain rights in the legal process, such as the ability to subpoena records or compel witnesses.
This case is just one among several attempts across the U.S. to disqualify Trump from future ballots under the 14th Amendment. While some states have dismissed similar lawsuits, the Colorado case could potentially influence other state courts and election officials. The ruling, however, may have limited impact on the overall outcome of the 2024 election since Colorado is seen as a state that leans Democratic.
Trump’s campaign has condemned the decision as undemocratic and an attack on voters’ rights, insisting that the ruling will be swiftly appealed. Advocacy groups like Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which assisted the group of Colorado voters who brought the case, hailed the decision as a necessary step to protect democracy in the U.S.
This ruling represents a significant moment in the ongoing legal and political saga surrounding Donald Trump, as it tests the boundaries of the U.S. Constitution and the judiciary’s role in electoral politics.
