A Historic Case: Can Donald Trump be Disqualified from State Ballots?
Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court appeared skeptical Thursday of the effort to disqualify Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump from a state primary ballot because he allegedly engaged in an insurrection to try to cling to power after he lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden. The case, originating from Colorado, has profound implications for the 2024 presidential election.
The Argument
The plaintiffs argue that Trump’s actions in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election automatically disqualify him from office. Trump’s lawyers counter that the case against him is one of overreach. The court’s justices, over more than two hours of oral arguments, broadly appeared to be searching for a way to keep Trump on ballots, leaving election decisions to voters.
National Implications
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling could have national implications for Trump and his political fate. Chief Justice John Roberts expressed concerns about the consequences of disqualifying a candidate, stating that it could lead to a handful of states deciding the presidential election. Justice Elena Kagan similarly asked about the national implications of the Colorado move.
The 14th Amendment
The case was brought by Norma Anderson, a 91-year-old Republican who watched intruders storm the U.S. Capitol three years ago on television. Anderson and five other Colorado voters are relying on part of the 14th Amendment, passed after the Civil War to keep Confederates out of office. The plaintiffs argue that Trump’s actions constitute an insurrection and disqualify him from holding public office.
The Supreme Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court has not offered a timetable for its decision, but some legal experts think the justices could rule before the Super Tuesday primaries in early March. The court may also decide Trump’s broad claims of presidential immunity. The question about Trump’s disqualification in Colorado is playing out in different ways in dozens of other states as well.
The Potential Consequences
If the U.S. Supreme Court allows Trump’s disqualification, it could open the doors to a constant stream of litigation against other political figures. Trump’s legal team argues that the 14th Amendment does not apply to the president and that Congress needs to pass a law clarifying the standards and burden of proof for disqualification.
The Final Verdict
The Supreme Court’s decision will have far-reaching implications for the 2024 presidential election and the future of American democracy. The court faces the challenge of reaching a decision that avoids a sharp conservative and liberal split. One possibility is that the court may find that the key part of the 14th Amendment requires Congress to pass a new law before it can be used, thereby keeping Trump on the ballot.