Denver, Colorado: The U.S. Supreme Court made a significant ruling on Monday regarding Donald Trump’s eligibility to seek the Republican presidential nomination under the 14th Amendment. The court unanimously overturned a decision in Colorado that sought to remove Trump from the ballot due to his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
In a historic decision, the Supreme Court determined that only Congress has the authority to enforce the provisions of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. This ruling applies to federal offices across the nation, ensuring that individual states cannot determine the eligibility of candidates for federal positions.
The court’s decision not only secures Trump’s place on the ballot as the Republican presidential nominee in all 50 states but also marks the end of a constitutional challenge to his candidacy. Trump celebrated the ruling, calling it a “BIG WIN” for the country and expressing confidence that it would contribute to national unity.
The ruling comes just before voters in Colorado participate in Super Tuesday. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court’s decision, stating that states should have the authority to disqualify candidates who have engaged in insurrection.
While the three liberal justices on the court agreed that the Colorado decision was problematic, they diverged from the majority opinion on the issue of enforcement under Section 3. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a conservative appointed by Trump, echoed similar sentiments in her concurring opinion.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, an organization involved in the case against Trump, emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision did not absolve him of responsibility for the events of Jan. 6. Despite the legal technicalities, the group maintained that the evidence still points to Trump’s involvement in inciting the insurrection.
Overall, the Supreme Court’s ruling has significant implications for the enforcement of the 14th Amendment and the eligibility of candidates for federal offices. The decision underscores the role of Congress in addressing issues related to insurrection and marks a critical moment in the legal battle surrounding Trump’s candidacy.