The United States Supreme Court unanimously sided with former President Donald Trump, ruling against the state of Colorado’s attempt to bar him from the 2024 primary ballot in light of the January 6 Capitol riot.
The ruling, delivered on Monday, impacts efforts in multiple states seeking to remove Trump as the likely GOP nominee.
The court’s ruling addressed the interpretation of Article 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who “engaged in insurrection” from holding public office again. Despite challenges filed in over 30 states, the Supreme Court determined that states lack the constitutional authority to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment regarding federal offices, notably the presidency.
Colorado, one of the states challenging Trump’s eligibility, argued that his actions leading up to the Capitol riots constituted an “insurrection” warranting his removal from the ballot. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling clarified that while states may disqualify candidates for state offices, they cannot do so for federal offices such as the presidency.
Reacting to the decision, Colorado’s Secretary of State Jena Griswold acknowledged the Supreme Court’s authority, stating that states do not have the power to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for federal candidates. Consequently, Trump remains eligible for Colorado’s 2024 Presidential Primary.
