Legal Experts Weigh In: Chances of Overturning Donald Trump’s Disqualification by Colorado Supreme Court
Former President Donald Trump has been disqualified from Colorado’s presidential primary ballot by the state’s Supreme Court based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, which prohibits individuals engaged in “insurrection or rebellion” from holding federal office.
What does the ruling say?
The ruling stems from Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, during the violent attack on the US Capitol by his supporters. While a lower court judge previously deemed it insurrection, the Supreme Court of Colorado took the extraordinary step of disqualifying him, citing constitutional grounds.
Will the ruling stand?
The majority decision is currently under review by the US Supreme Court, introducing uncertainties about whether this disqualification will stand.
Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, rarely tested, adds complexity to the legal landscape, with dissenting justices highlighting concerns about due process and stripping Trump of fundamental rights without a criminal conviction.
Trump’s response
Trump’s response to the ruling has been robust. His campaign termed the decision “undemocratic” and promptly announced plans to appeal to the US Supreme Court. Trump and his allies argue that disqualification cases in multiple states, including Colorado, are part of a broader conspiracy to obstruct his potential return to office.
How would it impact elections?
While the impact of this ruling on the November 2024 election may be limited, given Colorado’s Democratic leanings and Trump’s diminished electoral prospects in the state, it sets a precedent that could influence similar cases in battleground states.
Status of other Trump cases
Multiple lawsuits attempting to block Trump from ballots in over 12 states have been filed, with outcomes varying, and courts in Michigan, New Hampshire, Florida, and Minnesota offering dismissals on procedural grounds.
As legal battles unfold, the Colorado ruling raises questions about the intersection of constitutional interpretation, due process, and the potential influence on Trump’s political trajectory.
