In a high-stakes legal battle that could have significant implications for the upcoming Colorado primary, the Supreme Court is expected to release a decision on former President Donald Trump’s ballot eligibility as early as Monday. The ruling comes just one day before Super Tuesday and could potentially alter the course of the 2024 presidential election.
The case stems from a controversial ruling by Colorado’s Supreme Court, which disqualified Trump from appearing on the state’s primary ballot under the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause. The clause bars candidates who “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against” the United States from holding public office. Lawyers for Colorado argued that Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol constituted an insurrection against the government.
During oral arguments in February, the Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism about the constitutionality of Colorado’s decision, with several questioning the implications of a “handful of states” determining the entire election. Despite the apparent skepticism, the court’s decision remains uncertain.
#SCOTUS just updated its website to flag that it “may announce opinions” Monday at 10 ET.
It’s *really* unusual for the Court to give such little notice—or, outside of when things were closed for COVID, to not take the bench.
IOW, Colorado ruling is very likely coming tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/DzSqTacWdZ
— Steve Vladeck (@steve_vladeck) March 3, 2024
The Supreme Court’s ruling will not only impact the Colorado primary but also set a precedent for similar cases in other states. In Maine, a Superior Court judge delayed a ruling on Trump’s ballot eligibility until the Supreme Court issued its decision. A similar decision in Illinois last Wednesday relied on the same argument as Colorado’s case.
As the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s decision, the potential consequences of their ruling loom large. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of Trump, it could pave the way for his inclusion on the Colorado primary ballot and set a precedent for other states. Conversely, if the court upholds Colorado’s decision, it could have far-reaching implications for Trump’s eligibility in the 2024 presidential election.
With the Colorado primary scheduled for Tuesday, the Supreme Court’s decision could have a significant impact on the outcome of the election. As the nation watches and waits, the future of Trump’s candidacy hangs in the balance.
