The Colorado Supreme Court declared on Tuesday that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to run for president because of his participation in the January 6th attack on the United States Capitol, preventing him from appearing on the Republican primary ballot in the state.
The 4-3 decision, which will almost certainly be challenged to the United States Supreme Court, is the first time a presidential contender has been ruled ineligible under a seldom invoked section of the 14th Amendment that forbids anybody who has engaged in “insurrection or rebellion” from holding federal office.
While the verdict only applies to Colorado’s March 5th primary, it has national consequences for Trump’s candidacy. Although President Biden is expected to win the state, the judgement opens the door to similar cases in other states.
Trump, the Republican nominee for 2024, has pledged to challenge the verdict to the Supreme Court, which has a conservative majority that includes three judges he chose.
The court has decided to postpone the decision’s implementation until January 4, 2024, to allow for an appeal.
The Colorado court ruled that Trump’s acts on January 6th, especially his incitement of violence speech at the Capitol, barred him from taking office. The decision’s unusual character was acknowledged by the majority, who stated, “We do not take this lightly, but we are bound to uphold the law without fear or favour.”
Trump’s team slammed the ruling as “undemocratic” and promised to appeal.
The action was launched by a group of Colorado voters, who were assisted by the Washington-based advocacy group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics.
