
(Scypre.com) – The recent decision by the Colorado Supreme Court to exclude former President Trump from the state’s 2024 ballots has ignited a legal and political maelstrom, hinging on the interpretation of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
The 4-3 ruling, temporarily stayed until January 4 due to potential appeals, is rooted in Trump’s alleged role in inciting the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, as outlined in the court’s majority opinion: “President Trump did not merely incite the insurrection… he continued to support it by repeatedly demanding that Vice President Pence refuse to perform his constitutional duty and by calling Senators to persuade them to stop the counting of electoral votes.”
Trump, however, remained silent on the Colorado ruling during a Tuesday night speech in Waterloo, Iowa, choosing instead to cast aspersions on the Biden administration: “Crooked Joe Biden and the far-Left lunatics are desperate to stop us by any means necessary.”
This rhetoric underscores the intense polarization surrounding the legal battles, with Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, swiftly issuing a statement accusing the Colorado Supreme Court of siding with a left-wing agenda: “Unsurprisingly, the all-Democrat appointed Colorado Supreme Court has ruled against President Trump, supporting a Soros-funded, left-wing group’s scheme to interfere in an election on behalf of Crooked Joe Biden.”
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, acknowledging the ruling, emphasized her commitment to follow court guidance on the matter. Griswold’s cautious statement reflects the broader uncertainty surrounding the legal implications of the decision, particularly considering the potential for an appeal.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s reliance on the 14th Amendment adds a layer of complexity, as Griswold noted in her statement: “The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump is barred from the Colorado ballot for inciting the January 6 insurrection and attempting to overturn the 2020 Presidential Election. This decision may be appealed.”
Compounding the legal drama, disqualification lawsuits related to Trump’s ballot appearance are pending in 13 states, including Texas, Nevada, and Wisconsin. This underscores the widespread scrutiny and challenges faced by Trump’s post-presidential political ambitions. The dissenting voices within the Colorado Supreme Court, notably Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright and Justices Carlos Samour and Maria Berkenkotter, argue that the decision infringes upon due process.
Justice Samour voiced his concerns, stating, “Even if we are convinced that a candidate committed horrible acts in the past… there must be procedural due process before we can declare that individual disqualified from holding public office.”
Despite the legal challenges and dissenting perspectives, Trump’s campaign remains resolute in its intention to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung reiterated their stance, expressing confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court’s intervention: “We have full confidence that the U.S. Supreme Court will quickly rule in our favor and finally put an end to these unAmerican lawsuits.” This expectation sets the stage for a potential high-stakes legal battle that could shape the landscape of future disputes involving the eligibility of political candidates.