Colorado Supreme Court Declares Trump Ineligible for White House
A divided Colorado Supreme Court has declared former President Donald Trump ineligible for the White House under the U.S. Constitution's insurrection clause and removed him from the state's presidential primary ballot. The decision sets up a likely showdown in the U.S. Supreme Court to determine whether the front-runner for the GOP nomination can remain in the race.
Colorado Supreme Court Decision on Trump's Eligibility for White House
The Colorado Supreme Court, whose justices were all appointed by Democratic governors, voted 4-3 to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the White House under the U.S. Constitution's insurrection clause. This marks the first time in history that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment has been used to disqualify a presidential candidate.
The court's decision comes after a district court judge ruled that Trump incited an insurrection for his role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. However, the judge did not bar him from the ballot, stating that it was unclear if the provision applied to the presidency.
Likely Showdown in the U.S. Supreme Court
The Colorado Supreme Court's decision sets up a likely showdown in the U.S. Supreme Court to determine whether Trump can remain in the race for the GOP nomination. The court stayed its decision until January 4 or until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the case.
Colorado officials have stated that the issue must be settled by January 5, as it is the deadline for the state to print its presidential primary ballots. Trump's attorneys have promised to appeal any disqualification immediately to the nation's highest court.
Implications and Reactions to the Court's Decision
While Trump lost Colorado by a significant margin in 2020 and does not need the state to win next year's presidential election, the Colorado Supreme Court's decision could set a precedent for other courts and election officials to exclude Trump from must-win states.
Dozens of lawsuits have been filed nationally to disqualify Trump under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. This provision was designed to prevent former Confederates from returning to government after the Civil War. The decision by the Colorado Supreme Court could embolden other state courts to take similar action.
Trump's allies have criticized the decision, labeling it as 'un-American' and 'insane.' Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel called it 'election interference' and stated that the RNC's legal team intends to help Trump fight the ruling.
