Trump Barred Colorado Court Throws a Wrench in Presidential Plans
On Tuesday, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump is unable to run for President in the state because he participated in the January 6th Capitol assault. This monumental ruling, the first of its type under the Constitution’s insurrection clause, opens the door to a potentially epic legal confrontation at the United States Supreme Court in 2024.
A Divided Court Weighs History and the Law
The 4-3 decision by a court made up entirely of Democratic-appointed judges is a watershed event in American history. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, established after the Civil War to prohibit Confederates from holding office, has never been used to disqualify a presidential candidate.
The court acknowledged the seriousness of its ruling, saying, “We do not reach these decisions lightly… We are conscious of the gravity and weight of the issues before us.” They reasoned that, while Trump may not be an “officer of the United States” in the precise sense of the term, the founders’ purpose would not have excluded the President from the provision’s scope. To indicate differently, they reasoned, would render Section 3’s goal “nonsensical.”
Trump’s Camp Vows to Fight, Republicans Cry Foul
Unsurprisingly, Trump’s team promised a swift Supreme Court appeal, calling the Colorado judgment “completely flawed” and an assault on democracy. Steven Cheung, his spokesperson, threatened immediate action, saying, “We will swiftly file an appeal to the United States Supreme Court and a concurrent request for a stay of this deeply undemocratic decision.”
The Republican National Committee chimed in, calling the verdict “election interference” and promising legal backing for Trump’s appeal. Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel voiced fear that other states will follow Colorado’s path, hurting Trump’s chances in key battleground states.
The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court sends shockwaves through the political landscape, with far-reaching repercussions beyond the state’s borders. There are dozens of similar lawsuits nationwide trying to disqualify Trump under Section 3. Colorado’s decision may encourage litigants in other states to pursue their claims with increased zeal.