In a landmark judgment, the Colorado Supreme Court has barred former President Donald Trump from being listed as a candidate in the 2024 presidential election on the state’s ballot.

This pivotal decision, which split the court with a narrow 4-3 vote, is anchored in the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause of the U.S. Constitution.

This clause forbids anyone who has taken part in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S. from holding federal office.

The ruling challenges a prior verdict by a district court judge. While the judge acknowledged Trump’s role in instigating the 6th January 2021 Capitol riot as insurrection, he refrained from disqualifying Trump. He pointed to uncertainties regarding whether this constitutional provision extended to the presidency.

Contrasting this view, the Colorado Supreme Court concluded that the provision does indeed encompass the presidential office.

The ruling’s implementation is on hold until either 4th January or when the U.S. Supreme Court delivers a judgment on this issue. Trump’s legal team has expressed their intent to contest this decision in the U.S. Supreme Court, which will ultimately determine the outcome of this constitutional issue.

The decision has drawn criticism from Trump and his supporters, who deem it undemocratic and believe it’s part of an effort to prevent his candidacy. Notably, this is the first time Section 3 of the 14th Amendment has been invoked to disqualify a candidate for the presidency.

The repercussions of this decision could extend to other states, potentially shaping similar legal challenges, although its overall impact on the 2024 presidential election remains uncertain.

What do you make of this decision?