A group of Colorado voters has taken their case to the Supreme Court, accusing former President Donald Trump of engaging in insurrection by inciting the January 6 Capitol riot. This case could have far-reaching implications for Trump’s potential bid to reclaim the White House.
In their filing, the voters argued that the Capitol riot was premeditated and had a clear purpose: “to obstruct the counting of electoral votes as set out in the Twelfth Amendment” and “to prevent the execution of the Constitution so that Trump remained the President.” They claim that Trump is attempting to circumvent the constitutional clause that bars insurrectionists from holding office.
The voters’ argument is supported by a recent survey conducted by ABC News/Ipsos, which revealed divided opinions on whether Trump should be allowed to run again. While 30% of participants favor a Supreme Court-enforced nationwide ban on Trump’s candidacy, 26% prefer leaving the decision to state-level election authorities. In contrast, 39% believe Trump should be included on all state ballots.
The Colorado Supreme Court has already ruled that this provision disqualifies Trump from appearing on the state’s presidential election ballot, citing his efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Joe Biden. The voters argue that “nobody, not even a former President, is above the law” and urge the Supreme Court to affirm the Colorado decision.
Trump, who is currently the Republican frontrunner, has appealed to the Supreme Court to reverse the Colorado decision. He claims that he did not participate in the insurrection and asserts that the clause doesn’t pertain to presidents. Trump warns that preventing his candidacy would unleash “chaos and bedlam” if successful.
Represented by the advocacy group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, the voters criticize Trump’s warning, characterizing it as a not-so-subtle threat. They state, “We already saw the ‘bedlam’ Trump unleashed when he was on the ballot and lost.”
A Supreme Court ruling favoring Trump would thwart the effort to exclude him from ballots nationwide. However, an adverse decision would intensify the campaign to keep him off the ballot.
The outcome of this case will have significant implications for Trump’s potential presidential bid and could shape the future of American politics. As the Supreme Court considers this important issue, the nation waits to see how the justices will interpret the Constitution and its provisions on insurrectionists holding office.
