Former President Donald J. Trump has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court in an effort to retain his position on the Colorado primary ballot. This comes after the Colorado State Supreme Court ruled that Trump was ineligible due to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
Trump’s legal representatives argue that this ruling is groundbreaking, as it is the first time the judiciary has prevented voters from choosing a major-party presidential candidate. They claim that the decision could potentially disenfranchise millions of voters in Colorado and nationwide.
The case revolves around Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits anyone who has participated in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S. from holding office. In a close 4-to-3 vote, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in December that this provision applies to Trump, making him ineligible for another term.
Trump’s petition argues against this ruling on several grounds. His lawyers assert that the events leading up to the January 6 assault on the Capitol did not constitute an insurrection and that Section 3 does not apply to him as he did not partake in insurrection.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant turning point, as it sets a precedent for preventing presidential candidates from appearing on the ballot due to insurrection involvement. This case is not isolated, as Trump is also fighting to reclaim his spot on Maine’s primary ballot.
Former Attorney General Bill Barr expressed skepticism about the attempts to remove Trump from primary ballots, warning that they were likely to fail legally and could potentially empower the former president.
As the U.S. Supreme Court considers these challenges to Trump’s eligibility, the pressure is mounting. The Court has yet to decide on the requests to expedite its consideration of the case.
It remains to be seen how the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Trump’s appeal and the other challenges to his eligibility. These decisions will have significant implications for the upcoming primary elections and the future of Trump’s political career.
