The US Supreme Court will hear a landmark case to determine if Donald Trump can run for president in 2024. The appeal challenges Colorado’s decision to remove him from the state’s ballot, a move that could impact the entire nation. The case, scheduled for February, revolves around lawsuits in various states seeking to disqualify Trump, alleging his involvement in the Capitol riot. The legal battle hinges on the interpretation of a Civil War-era constitutional amendment that could render Trump ineligible.
The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the appeal follows attorney generals from 27 states urging the court to reject Colorado’s ruling, emphasising the potential chaos and confusion in the upcoming election cycle. The 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, barring those who engaged in insurrection from federal office, is central to the case. Trump’s lawyers argue that the amendment doesn’t apply to the presidency.
The case raises questions about Trump’s eligibility and the broader implications for future presidential candidates. The court’s conservative majority, including three Trump-appointed justices, will play a crucial role. The decision could impact Trump’s position as the current Republican frontrunner for the 2024 election.
Colorado’s decision to remove Trump from the ballot marked the first use of the 14th Amendment in US history to disqualify a presidential candidate. Despite the legal challenges, Trump’s name remains on the state’s primary election ballots in March. The Supreme Court’s expedited timeline aims to address the growing number of cases filed across states, ensuring a ruling before the Super Tuesday primary elections in March. The case draws parallels to the 2000 presidential election, where the Supreme Court’s intervention shaped the outcome.
The involvement of the nation’s highest court underscores the significance of the issue and the urgency to address it before the upcoming primaries. The decision will not only impact Trump’s political future but also set a precedent for interpreting the 14th Amendment in the context of presidential eligibility.
