Chicago, Illinois – A judge in Cook County recently made a significant ruling regarding the eligibility of former President Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican primary ballot. The judge cited Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, also known as the “insurrection clause,” as grounds for barring Trump from the ballot.
Following a January decision by the Illinois State Board of Elections allowing Trump to remain eligible, Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter overturned this ruling. However, Porter decided to stay her decision until March 1 due to the possibility of an appeal to higher courts.
In response to Porter’s ruling, a spokesperson for Trump labeled the decision as “unconstitutional” and announced plans for a swift appeal. Meanwhile, advocacy group Free Speech for People, representing voters challenging Trump’s eligibility under the 14th Amendment, hailed the court’s decision as a “historic victory.”
This ruling by Judge Porter adds to a series of conflicting decisions across the country regarding Trump’s eligibility under the 14th Amendment. As the dispute escalates, it is expected to eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court for a final resolution.
Supporters of disqualifying Trump contend that his actions following the 2020 election, particularly pertaining to the events of January 6, should disqualify him from holding office again. Trump, on the other hand, vehemently denies any wrongdoing and views the challenges to the 14th Amendment as undermining democratic principles.
At the recent Supreme Court hearing in the case of Trump v. Anderson, justices expressed skepticism about whether a state has the authority to prevent a candidate from appearing on the ballot based on accusations of “insurrection.” Judge Porter emphasized that her ruling is subject to change depending on the Supreme Court’s final decision.