Since the conclusion of Donald Trump’s presidency, Liberals have sought to hinder his potential return to office through legal means. A significant development occurred in 2022 when Trump faced multiple indictments. However, there seems to be a shift in the situation.
On December 19, the Colorado Supreme Court declared that Trump is disqualified from the presidency due to his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Colorado led the way among several states attempting to prevent Trump’s inclusion in the presidential primary ballot.
They invoked Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, prohibiting individuals engaged in insurrection against the US from holding elected office. Despite lacking a formal conviction for insurrection, the court deemed Trump guilty, potentially inspiring other liberal-leaning states to pursue a similar strategy.
On December 14, an appeal challenging a lower court’s ruling affirming Trump’s eligibility for the state primaries in Michigan was dismissed by the Michigan appeals court. Subsequently, on December 27, the case reached the Michigan Supreme Court, which opted not to entertain it. This outcome ensures Trump’s presence on Michigan’s primary ballot and likely undermines the confidence of other states contemplating emulating Colorado’s approach.
Indeed, the Colorado verdict is unlikely to adversely impact Trump’s campaign. The state’s supreme court temporarily suspended the ruling until January 4. Following an immediate appeal by the Colorado Republican Party to the US Supreme Court, the stay became indefinite.
Unless the US Supreme Court reviews the case and supports the judgment, it will not be implemented, allowing Trump to participate in the Colorado primary. The indefinite stay also serves as a cautionary signal to other states contemplating similar measures to impede Trump’s candidacy for the presidency next year, indicating that such attempts will not go unchallenged.
