In a recent unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump cannot be removed from the Colorado ballot ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November. The court’s decision comes as a significant blow to those who sought to disqualify Trump from appearing on the ballot due to his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The ruling has far-reaching implications for the presidential race, as it will impact the status of similar efforts to remove Trump from ballots in other states. The court’s decision marks the first time it has considered the meaning and reach of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars former officeholders who “engaged in insurrection” from holding public office again.
In response to the ruling, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold acknowledged that the court ruled “that states do not have the authority to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for federal candidates.” As a result, Trump remains an eligible candidate on Colorado’s 2024 Presidential Primary ballot.
BREAKING: In a 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court keeps Donald Trump on Colorado's ballot, ruling that states do not have the power to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment: https://t.co/EU9kAqJU51 pic.twitter.com/DGxaLWddWl
— Democracy Docket (@DemocracyDocket) March 4, 2024
The Supreme Court’s decision not only ensures that Trump remains on the ballot in Colorado but also ends similar cases that have arisen in other states, such as Maine and Illinois. This ruling effectively removes one avenue for holding Trump accountable for his role in challenging the 2020 election results and the subsequent events on January 6, 2021.
While the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Trump in this case, he still faces criminal charges for his actions during the same period. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on his broad claim of presidential immunity in April.
