The recent ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the state's primary ballot has sparked a fiery debate among Republican officials and commentators. The 4-3 decision, based on Trump's actions on January 6, 2021, which the court deemed as "direct participation in the insurrection," has led some Republicans to propose similar measures against President Joe Biden in their states.
In Texas, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick suggested, albeit more as a thought experiment than a legal proposal, that Biden should be removed from the Texas ballot for his handling of the border situation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also questioned the precedent set by the Colorado decision, asking if Biden could be removed from the ballot for allowing "8 million illegals into the country."
The idea, though floated by some as a means to illustrate the perceived absurdity of the Colorado ruling rather than as a serious legal endeavor, has been echoed by various conservative figures. Former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis suggested filing suit in Colorado to remove Biden from the ballot, citing his border policy as falling within the Court's definition of 'engaging in insurrection.' Other conservative commentators and influencers, like Rogan O'Handley and Anthony Sabatini, have echoed similar sentiments on social media.
BREAKING: Ron DeSantis reacts to Colorado Supreme Court ruling at a campaign event this morning
"There was no trial on any of this! [...] Could we just say that Biden can't be on the ballot because he let in 8 million illegals into the country, and violated the Constitution?" pic.twitter.com/JTdWPHZvNz — Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) December 20, 2023
Every Republican state AG should be filing to remove Joe Biden from the ballot this morning... The insurrection and blood at the Southern border is on him. https://t.co/MGAt32BOl3 — Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) December 20, 2023
This controversial decision by the Colorado Supreme Court is unprecedented and raises significant legal and constitutional questions. It marks the first time the Disqualification Clause in the 14th Amendment has been invoked against a major presidential contender in US history. Trump's campaign has strongly criticized the decision, with spokesperson Steven Cheung calling it a "scheme to interfere in an election on behalf of Crooked Joe Biden."
All red states should immediately petition their courts to remove Biden from the ballot, there are ways, Dude
None will ofc https://t.co/dovtKIcBwV — Peachy Keenan (@KeenanPeachy) December 19, 2023
The Colorado Supreme Court has stayed its ruling until January 4, 2024, allowing time for an expected appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. This sets the stage for a potentially landmark legal battle, with the Supreme Court's conservative majority, including three Trump appointees, being put in a position to decide Trump's eligibility for another term as president.
The lawsuit was a test case for a wider effort to disqualify Trump from state ballots under the 14th Amendment, which was enacted to keep supporters of the Confederacy from holding government positions. The Colorado court's decision is seen as a significant step in this broader legal effort. Meanwhile, Trump remains the 2024 GOP frontrunner, topping Biden in most recent polling.
