The Colorado Supreme Court has declared former President Donald Trump ineligible to run for the presidency in 2024, citing his role in the January 6, 2021, assault on the United States Capitol by his supporters.
The landmark ruling, delivered on Tuesday, makes Trump the first presidential candidate in U.S. history to be deemed ineligible for the White House under a rarely invoked provision of the U.S. Constitution. The court determined that Trump’s actions amounted to “insurrection or rebellion” against the Constitution after having taken an oath to protect it.
Trump’s campaign spokesperson swiftly denounced the verdict, labeling it “flawed” and announcing plans to file an appeal in the United States Supreme Court.
Colorado Supreme Court’s Decision
A slim majority of the Colorado Supreme Court, in a four-three majority decision, ruled that Trump is disqualified from holding the U.S. presidency and must be removed from the state’s ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. This section prohibits individuals involved in insurrection or rebellion from running for federal office.
The court emphasized the gravity of its decision, stating, “We do not reach these conclusions lightly,” and acknowledged the weight of the questions before them. This marks the first instance of a court ruling based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 in the aftermath of the Civil War.
National Implications
While a lower court judge in Colorado had previously ruled that Trump’s actions amounted to insurrection, this is the first time a court has enforced disqualification under Section 3. The Colorado Supreme Court’s decision has prompted discussions about its potential influence on similar cases in other states.
Multiple lawsuits across several U.S. states seek to disqualify Trump from running for president. Although previous cases in Michigan, Florida, and New Hampshire were dismissed, the ruling in Colorado may influence other states, particularly those crucial to Trump’s electoral strategy.
January 6, 2021, Capitol Attack
The ruling stems from Trump’s alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, where a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. A Congressional committee concluded that Trump was responsible for the riots.
Impact on 2024 Election
Even if the ruling survives Supreme Court review, its impact on the 2024 election may be limited. Colorado, a Democratic-leaning state, holds only nine electoral votes. However, similar lawsuits could be filed in crucial battleground states, potentially affecting Trump’s electoral prospects.
Trump and Republicans’ Response
Trump’s campaign criticized the court decision as “undemocratic” and part of a conspiracy to keep him out of office. The former president and his allies view disqualification cases in multiple states as politically motivated.
Next Steps
The Colorado Supreme Court has placed its ruling on hold until January 4 or until a review by the U.S. Supreme Court, which Trump has pledged to pursue. Colorado officials stress the need for resolution by January 5, the date when the state prints its presidential primary ballots.
Other Legal Challenges
This ruling adds to Trump’s legal challenges, with a federal judge setting March 4, 2024, for his election subversion conspiracy trial. Trump faces additional court dates in New York and Florida, raising questions about his candidacy in the face of mounting legal scrutiny.
As the legal battles unfold, the nation watches closely, with the outcome potentially shaping the future of Trump’s political ambitions and the broader implications for the U.S. electoral landscape.