S’Court finds Donald Trump ineligible for US Presidency

Colorado’s Supreme Court has determined that former U.S. President Donald Trump cannot run for the White House due to his involvement in the 2021 Capitol assault by his supporters.

The court has ordered his removal from the state’s primary ballot, citing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which disqualifies individuals engaged in insurrection from holding public office.

This decision, unique in U.S. history, is limited to Colorado but sets a precedent as other states consider similar legal actions against Trump.

In a four-three majority decision, the Colorado high court stated, “A majority of the court holds that President Trump is disqualified from holding the office of President under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment.” The ruling reflects a historic application of the 14th Amendment to disqualify a presidential candidate. Trump’s campaign plans to appeal the decision, and the ruling has drawn condemnation from Republicans.

During his tenure, Trump, a former property tycoon and reality TV star, faces various legal challenges, including criminal charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election, mishandling classified documents, hush money payments, and fraud in business practices. Despite the legal actions, Trump contends that he is a victim of political persecution.

The Colorado Supreme Court decision, though specific to the state, may have broader implications.

The court put the ruling on hold until January 4, awaiting a potential U.S. Supreme Court decision. Section 3 lawsuits, designed to prevent former Confederates from returning to government after the Civil War, have been filed in multiple states. Trump, a frontrunner for the Republican nomination, faces a significant threat to his candidacy, with the Colorado ruling seen as a potential catalyst for other states to take similar actions.

The Colorado justices emphasized their duty to apply the law impartially and without being swayed by public reactions. Trump’s campaign plans a swift appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, where constitutional matters receive a final judgment. The legal challenges underscore the contentious nature of Trump’s post-presidential activities and the ongoing debates surrounding the aftermath of the Capitol assault.