Colorado's Supreme Court to Decide on Trump's Eligibility for 2024 Presidential Run

Denver, CO – In a landmark case that could influence the 2024 Presidential election, Colorado’s highest court is set to deliberate on the eligibility of former President Donald Trump to run for office again. The case, which has garnered national attention, hinges on the interpretation of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, relating to insurrection or rebellion.

The Amendment states that any person who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion after taking an oath to support the Constitution is forbidden from holding public office. This legal challenge in Colorado is part of a broader nationwide effort questioning Trump’s eligibility, particularly in light of his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

So far, no court has declared Trump ineligible. However, the Colorado case is progressing rapidly, with all seven justices of the Colorado Supreme Court, who are Democratic appointees, poised to hear arguments on whether Trump incited the January 6 events and if such actions warrant his removal from the ballot.

In a prior trial in Denver, District Judge Sarah Wallace ruled that Trump was a willing instigator of the violence on January 6 but concluded that the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause does not apply to the presidential office, allowing Trump to remain on Colorado’s presidential ballot. This decision surprised many, including Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, who highlighted the significance of a court acknowledging Trump’s engagement in insurrection yet questioned the exclusion of the presidency from the 14th Amendment’s scope.

The Colorado justices’ decision may set a precedent for Trump’s nationwide eligibility. Election law expert Richard Hasen anticipates that a ruling against Trump could escalate the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court. Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado, responsible for appointing five of the current justices, recognized the case as a critical test for interpreting the 14th Amendment.

Trump, for his part, denies that the Capitol violence constitutes insurrection and maintains that his actions are protected under the First Amendment. The case is expected to delve into the historical context of the 14th Amendment, crafted post-Civil War to prevent Confederate leaders from holding public office.

The outcome in Colorado is being closely watched by other states, as it could signal how to address similar challenges to Trump’s eligibility. For instance, the Oregon Secretary of State, LaVonne Griffin-Valade, recently opted not to remove Trump from the state’s primary ballot, citing legal advice and differences in state law regarding primary and general elections.

This case in Colorado represents a critical juncture in American politics, as it not only addresses the legal aspects of Trump’s potential candidacy but also delves into the broader implications of the January 6 events and their impact on the democratic process