The US Supreme Court has unanimously supported former President Donald Trump in his legal dispute against the state of Colorado’s endeavor to remove him from the 2024 primary ballot.
In a unanimous decision delivered on Monday, all nine justices of the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Trump, signaling a significant legal victory for the former president.
The outcome of this ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications, particularly concerning efforts in numerous other states aimed at excluding the probable GOP nominee from their upcoming ballots.
The ruling is likely to influence the ongoing debates and legal battles surrounding Trump’s eligibility to appear on primary ballots across various states. As such, it underscores the broader significance of judicial decisions in shaping the electoral landscape and determining the participation of key political figures in future elections.
For the first time, the court deliberated on the interpretation and scope of Article 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits former officeholders who have “engaged in insurrection” from seeking public office again.
Recall that challenges have been filed to remove Trump from the 2024 ballot in over 30 states.
One of the states, Colorado, had argued that Trump’s behavior leading to the January 6 Capitol riots amounted to an “insurrection,” and as a result, he should be removed from the state’s ballot.
However, the supreme Court ruled otherwise as it said: “We conclude that States may disqualify persons holding or attempting to hold state office. But States have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, especially the Presidency.”
Reacting to the ruling, Colorado’s Secretary of State Jena Griswold issued a statement Monday, saying, “The United States Supreme Court has ruled that states do not have the authority to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for federal candidates.”
“In accordance with this decision, Donald Trump is an eligible candidate on Colorado’s 2024 Presidential Primary.”
Trump responded to the ruling in a post on Truth Social, expressing his sentiment with the statement: “BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!”
