The decision to exclude former President Donald Trump from the Maine primary ballot has sparked controversy and criticism from Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie. The move, which was made under the 14th Amendment, has raised concerns about turning Trump into a “martyr.”
In an interview with CNN, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie voiced his opposition to the choice, stating that it could play into Trump’s narrative of being a victim. Christie said, “It makes him a martyr. You know, he’s very good at playing ‘Poor me, poor me,’ he’s always complaining. The poor billionaire from New York who’s spending everybody else’s money to pay his legal fees.”
The decision to exclude Trump from the ballot was made by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who accused Trump of propagating a false narrative of election fraud to disrupt the 2020 election’s certification and peaceful transition of power. Bellows argued that Trump’s occasional requests for peaceful protests do not erase his conduct over the course of months, culminating in his speech on the Ellipse.
The Maine verdict follows a similar move by the Colorado Supreme Court, which also excluded Trump from the state’s primary ballot. Trump’s campaign has vehemently contested these decisions, accusing Bellows of electoral interference and branding her a “hyper-partisan Biden-supporting Democrat.”
Meanwhile, the Colorado GOP has taken their case to the U.S. Supreme Court, contesting the state’s decision. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced that Trump would remain on the ballot unless the Supreme Court declines to hear the case or upholds the state’s decision.
Mary Trump, the former president’s niece, welcomed the Maine ruling, stating that “no one should give Donald a free pass.” She urged other states to follow Maine’s lead. Rep. James Comer, the House Oversight Committee Chair, expressed concern that more states may follow suit, leading to accusations of election interference.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s exclusion from primary ballots highlights the ongoing division within the Republican Party and the wider political landscape in the aftermath of the 2020 election. As the 2024 election approaches, these decisions will continue to shape the political landscape and influence the dynamics of the primary race.
It remains to be seen how Trump and his supporters will respond to these exclusions and whether they will have a significant impact on his potential candidacy for the presidency in 2024. The decisions made by states regarding Trump’s eligibility for primary ballots will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of debate and contention in the coming months.
