COLORADO (Daily Point) — In an unprecedented move, Colorado’s Supreme Court disqualified Donald Trump from the state’s presidential primary ballot, citing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, which prohibits individuals engaged in “insurrection or rebellion” from holding federal office.
The ruling stems from Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, during the Capitol attack, deemed by a lower court as insurrection but not qualifying for disqualification under Section 3 for presidents.
The 4-3 decision faced criticism from dissenting justices, expressing concerns about stripping Trump of fundamental rights without due process. The Colorado Supreme Court temporarily halted its ruling for U.S. Supreme Court review, a step Trump promptly pledged to seek.
The outcome of the case, which delves into seldom-tested legalities of Section 3, remains uncertain. The conservative-dominated U.S. Supreme Court, including three Trump appointees, will ultimately decide. Critics argue that the ruling compromises Trump’s rights, as he has not been criminally convicted and lacks basic defense privileges.
Trump’s campaign decried the decision as “undemocratic” and announced plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump and his allies view such disqualification cases across states as politically motivated attempts to sideline him.
Although Colorado’s impact on the 2024 election may be limited, given its Democratic leaning, the ruling could set a precedent for similar lawsuits in crucial states. Trump faces disqualification efforts in over 12 states, with varying outcomes, highlighting the complexity and contentious nature of these legal challenges.
