The US Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of former President Donald Trump, allowing him to stay on the primary ballot in Colorado. The decision rejects the state’s attempt to disqualify Trump and could impact national rules for such cases.
All nine Supreme Court justices, including both liberal and conservative members, agreed that states do not have the authority to remove Trump from the ballot based on his involvement in events preceding the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
The ruling stated that the Colorado Supreme Court wrongly assumed states could decide whether a presidential candidate is disqualified under the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who engaged in insurrection from holding public office. The Supreme Court emphasized that it is Congress, not states, responsible for enforcing this provision.
This decision sets a precedent for all US states, not just Colorado. It ends efforts in states like Colorado, Illinois, and Maine to remove Trump from the ballot due to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump celebrated the decision, calling it a “BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!” on social media.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold expressed disappointment in the ruling, stating that “Colorado should be able to bar oath-breaking insurrections from our ballot.” The decision comes just before Super Tuesday, a significant day in the presidential primary cycle when many states hold their elections.
The three liberal justices and Trump-appointed Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett criticized their conservative colleagues for delving too deeply into the case, arguing that enforcement of the 14th Amendment should be left to Congress. Barrett emphasized the need for a calm approach during a politically charged time.
