Washington, D.C.: In a landmark decision, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that former President Donald Trump is disqualified from running for the presidency in the state's Republican primary. The court cited the Constitution's so-called insurrection clause, marking the first time a court has found Trump ineligible for public office due to his involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The ruling is unprecedented and does not apply beyond Colorado's borders. The state's high court, composed of justices appointed by Democratic governors, paused the decision until January 4, one day before the deadline for Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold to certify primary candidates for the state's March 5 primary.
The Colorado Supreme Court's majority opinion stated that it would be wrongful under the Election Code to list Trump as a candidate on the presidential primary ballot due to his disqualification under Section Three of the 14th Amendment. This decision follows lawsuits filed in more than 25 states challenging Trump's candidacy for the 2024 election.
Trump's campaign plans to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle over his eligibility. If the case reaches the U.S. Supreme Court before January 4, the Colorado Supreme Court's stay will remain in effect until the nation's highest court rules.
The Colorado Supreme Court's 4-3 decision, with justices in the majority appointed by Democratic governors, determined that Trump's actions surrounding the January 6 attack constituted an insurrection. It concluded that Trump not only incited the insurrection but continued to support it, making him ineligible for public office under Section Three of the 14th Amendment.
Trump's supporters argue that this decision is undemocratic and disenfranchises voters. However, proponents maintain that the ruling is necessary to protect the country's democracy.
The case highlights the ongoing legal challenges Trump faces, including a criminal case related to the 2020 presidential election set to go to trial in March if allowed to proceed.
Note: This article provides a concise overview of the Colorado Supreme Court's decision to disqualify Donald Trump from the state's Republican presidential primary, citing the insurrection clause. It does not delve into additional legal details or opinions on the matter.
