Colorado Supreme Court Rules Trump Ineligible for Presidential Run in State
Late Tuesday night, Colorado's Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump cannot run for president in the state in 2024.
In a 4-3 vote, the court invoked Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, marking the first-ever disqualification of a presidential candidate under this provision. The decision focused on Trump's alleged role in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol, asserting that he engaged in an insurrection, rendering him ineligible.
While the ruling specifically applies to Colorado's primary election on March 5, its implications could extend to the general election next November. Although it doesn't bar Trump from running in other states, it highlights potential legal challenges for his Republican nomination bid.
Trump's campaign immediately denounced the decision, calling it "completely flawed" and announcing plans to appeal to the US Supreme Court. Campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung accused the Democratic-appointed justices of a "partisan attack" and stressed the campaign's intent to contest the decision.
The Colorado Supreme Court's decision aligns with a broader legal context, as dozens of lawsuits nationwide have sought to disqualify Trump under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, designed to prevent former Confederates from holding public office after the Civil War.
While this ruling may not significantly impact Trump's chances in Colorado, it raises the stakes for his campaign, potentially influencing decisions in other crucial states as the legal battle unfolds.
