Colorado Supreme Court Bans Donald Trump from Running For Office In 2024

In a controversial decision, the Colorado Supreme Court blocks former President Donald Trump from running for office again in 2024.

This decision stands after a lawsuit claiming he violated the 14th Amendment’s insurrectionist ban and amid ongoing investigations into Trump’s involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

The court ruled by a narrow margin that the amendment, which bars anyone who has engaged in rebellion against the US from holding any office under the US, applies to the presidency. 

This article will dive deeper into this case, explaining the situation, the Supreme Court’s decision, public reaction, and more. Read on!

The Case Against Former President Donald Trump 

The case resulting in Donald Trump’s removal stands on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. This rule says that anyone who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S. The Constitution cannot hold any office under the United States. 

The plaintiffs in the case argue that Trump incited an insurrection on January 6, 2021, when he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol and stop the certification of the 2020 election results. 

They claim that this was an attempt to overthrow the lawful government and violate the Constitution. The Plaintiffs further bolstered their position by citing the impeachment charge that the House of Representatives brought against Trump for his role in the riot.

On the other hand, Trump and the Colorado Secretary of State contend that Section 3 does not apply to the presidency because it only mentions civil and military officers. They also dispute that January 6 was an insurrection and that Trump was responsible for the violence that occurred. 

Trump and the Colorado Secretary of State claimed that the plaintiffs are trying to silence the voice of millions of voters who support Trump. Nevertheless, the Colorado Supreme Court gave its verdict on December 20, 2023.

The Supreme Court Disqualified Donald Trump 

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs on December 20, 2023, and ordered the Secretary of State to remove Trump’s name from the 2024 presidential ballot in Colorado. 

The court explained that Section 3 does apply to the presidency and that Trump did engage in an insurrection. The jury relied on the historical context, purpose of the 14th Amendment, and the evidence from the trial court, which found that Trump’s actions on January 6 were part of a coordinated effort to subvert the democratic process.

It’s worth noting that the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision stands on a 4-3 vote, with the majority opinion written by Chief Justice Monica Márquez. She wrote that the evidence presented at the trial court showed that Trump’s actions on January 6 constituted an insurrection against the Constitution and violated his oath of office.

The defendants have appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is expected to take up the case in early 2024. The outcome of the case could significantly impact the 2024 election, the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, and the scope of presidential power. 

Reactions to The Supreme Court’s Decision 

The opposing opinion in the Supreme Court was written by Justice Carlos Samour Jr., who argued that Section 3 does not apply to the presidency, as it only refers to civil and military officers. 

He also argued that the plaintiffs failed to prove that Trump incited an insurrection; therefore, the court’s decision violated the rights of the voters who support Trump.

Some have praised the decision as a courageous and historic move to uphold the rule of law and the integrity of the Constitution. Others have criticized the decision as a partisan and unprecedented attempt to interfere with the democratic process and the will of the people.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) comments:

“This is insane…If this is the path that radical Dems choose to weaponize the courts against conservatives, we are no better than the socialist regimes in VZ & Cuba.”

On the other hand, Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), an impeachment manager in Trump’s Jan. 6 trial, comments: “It was very clear to me that the evidence showed Trump called for and incited the mob on January 6.”

Implications of Banning Trump From the 2024 Ballot

Banning Trump from the next presidential election is a controversial move that could have significant implications for the 2024 election and beyond. For example, it could affect the election outcome, as Trump currently leads in many polls against Biden and other potential candidates. 

If Trump is disqualified from the ballot in some or all states, it could change the dynamics of the race and the electoral map while creating confusion among voters and parties.

The ban could also spark legal challenges and constitutional debates about interpreting and enforcing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Nevertheless, the U.S. Supreme Court will likely have the final say on this matter, and it is hard to predict how they will rule. 

There’s also the possibility of triggering political backlash and social unrest, as Trump and his supporters may not accept the decision. This could lead to protests, violence, and further polarization in the country.

What’s Next for Former President Donald Trump?

The future of former President Donald Trump is uncertain and depends on several factors, such as the outcome of appealing his disqualification from the 2024 ballot. If the court rules in his favor, he will run for president in 2024.

Running for president is possible since Trump filed official paperwork with the Federal Election Commission declaring himself a candidate for president in 2024. He has also been holding rallies and fundraising events and leading in many polls against Biden and other potential candidates. 

However, if the Colorado Supreme Court upholds its decision, other states could follow the same trend, diminishing his chance of reelection. In this case, his removal will produce public outrage from supporters, especially if he voices his opinion on the new president.

There’s also the possibility these legal decisions could retire from his political career, resulting in him focusing on his business and media ventures. 

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to remove Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot is controversial. This verdict has raised nationwide debates and opinions, with some supporting or condemning the court’s choice.

Nevertheless, the case isn’t over, as Trump and his lawyers have appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. The outcome of the case could significantly impact the 2024 election, the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, and the scope of presidential power.