Home WebMail Friday, November 1, 2024, 04:22 AM | Calgary | -3.2°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
Posted: 2023-12-19T23:25:49Z | Updated: 2023-12-20T18:14:57Z

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Donald Trump is disqualified from being president under the 14th Amendment and may not appear on the states 2024 presidential primary ballot.

In a 4-3 vote, the court made the shocking and unprecedented ruling that Trump is ineligible to be president again because of a clause in the 14th Amendment barring from state or federal office anyone who took an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution but then engaged in insurrection or rebellion against it, or gave aid or comfort to [its] enemies.

Tuesdays ruling cites Trumps involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol aimed at blocking the certification of electoral votes in Joe Biden s favor, following Bidens legitimate victory in the 2020 presidential election.

We do not reach these conclusions lightly, the court wrote in its decision. We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us. We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach.

The court had little difficulty reaching its decision, the ruling noted.

The court agreed to stay its decision until Jan. 4, the day before the deadline to determine the list of candidates for the states GOP primary, pending a potential review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, the group whose lawsuit brought this matter before the court, celebrated the decision.

The courts decision today affirms what our clients alleged in this lawsuit: that Donald Trump is an insurrectionist who disqualified himself from office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment based on his role in the January 6th attack on the Capitol, and that [Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold] must keep him off of Colorados primary ballot, CREW president Noah Bookbinder said. It is not only historic and justified, but is necessary to protect the future of democracy in our country.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung released a lengthy statement condemning the decision, describing it as a scheme to interfere in an election on behalf of Crooked Joe Biden resulting from Democrats state of paranoia over the growing, dominant lead President Trump has amassed in the polls.

The campaign said its filing an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which could settle the matter nationwide if it takes up the case. The Colorado Supreme Court says a final decision must be made by Jan. 5.

Trump is the current front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, outpolling other candidates by large margins. Hes currently awaiting trial on four separate indictments, including two connected to his actions after he lost the 2020 election.

Your Support Has Never Been More Critical

Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone.

Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can't do it without you.

You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you.

Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all.

You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you.

Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all.

Support HuffPost

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.