Colorado Supreme Court blocks Trump from presidential primary ballot, sparking legal, political controversy
Colorado’s supreme court has ruled that Donald Trump is ineligible for the US presidency due to his involvement in the January 2021 Capitol assault. The ruling, based on the 14th Amendment, stirred immediate condemnation from Republicans, triggering a potential upheaval in the upcoming election.
The 4-3 majority of the court stated, “President Trump is disqualified from holding the office of President under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment.” This decision, specific to the Colorado primary ballot, marks the first successful use of the 14th Amendment in various legal actions nationwide.
Trump’s campaign swiftly declared its intent to appeal, aiming to take the case to the US Supreme Court. The court’s ruling is temporarily on hold until January 4, anticipating the appeal. Campaign spokesman Steven Cheung criticized the Colorado panel as being influenced by a “(George) Soros-funded, left-wing group’s scheme” and accused Democrats of trying to interfere in the election.
Noah Bookbinder from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which initiated the case, celebrated the ruling as “a huge moment for democracy.” He emphasized the constitutional bar against those who attack democracy from serving in government.
Prominent Republicans, including Senator Marco Rubio and Governor Ron DeSantis, criticized the decision. DeSantis, who is running for the 2024 Republican nomination, called for the US Supreme Court to overturn the ruling, alleging abuse of judicial power for political ends.
As the legal battle unfolds, Trump’s historic indictments related to the 2020 election add complexity to debates over his eligibility for future office. This Colorado action is part of a broader wave of 14th Amendment lawsuits against Trump across the country, with differing outcomes, as seen in Minnesota last month.
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