DENVER (Diya TV) — In a groundbreaking decision, the Colorado Supreme Court declared former President Donald Trump ineligible for the 2024 presidential race, citing his engagement in insurrection linked to the January 6 Capitol attack. The ruling, the first of its kind, invokes Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, setting the stage for a potential showdown in the U.S. Supreme Court.
The court’s 4-3 decision directs the exclusion of Trump’s name from the Colorado Republican primary ballot, marking the first time Section 3 has been utilized to disqualify a presidential candidate. The provision, designed post-Civil War, prohibits individuals who engaged in insurrection against the Constitution from holding office.
“We do not reach these conclusions lightly,” stated the majority, emphasizing the weight of the constitutional questions. Trump’s campaign promptly announced its intention to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Colorado justices have placed the ruling on hold until at least January 4, anticipating a higher court review.
Legal experts suggest that the U.S. Supreme Court may be compelled to address this issue on a national level. With a conservative majority, including three justices appointed by Trump, the court faces significant pressure and scrutiny, reminiscent of Bush v. Gore.
The ruling’s implications extend beyond Colorado, potentially influencing the landscape of Trump-related cases, including those concerning criminal immunity and the Capitol attack’s obstruction charge. The decision heightens the legal challenges faced by Trump, who has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Political reactions were swift, with Trump’s campaign denouncing the ruling as an “un-American attack on democracy.” Republican officials rallied behind Trump, labeling the decision as election interference and vowing legal support.
Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy pledged to withdraw from the Colorado GOP primary ballot in solidarity with Trump. He called the decision an “unconstitutional attack on democracy” and demanded other GOP candidates, including Ron DeSantis, Chris Christie, and Nikki Haley, to do the same or risk endorsing an “illegal maneuver.”
