An Illinois state judge has ruled that Donald Trump cannot appear on the Republican presidential primary ballot in Illinois due to his involvement in the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. However, the ruling’s implementation has been delayed as the former president is expected to appeal the decision. The judge, Tracie Porter, supported the argument presented by Illinois voters that Trump violated the anti-insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution and should be disqualified from the state’s primary and general election ballots.
The final resolution of this case, along with other similar challenges, is likely to be determined by the US Supreme Court. The Supreme Court heard arguments related to Trump’s eligibility for the ballot on February 8. Judge Porter has stayed her decision, anticipating an appeal to Illinois’ appellate courts and the possibility of a ruling from the US Supreme Court.
The advocacy group Free Speech For People, which led the effort to disqualify Trump in Illinois, hailed the ruling as a “historic victory.” However, a campaign spokesperson for Trump, who is considered the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination, criticized the decision as unconstitutional and expressed their intention to appeal.
Trump has also been removed from the state ballots in Colorado and Maine based on their interpretation of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. These decisions are also on hold pending Trump’s appeals. Section 3 prohibits individuals who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the US Constitution or provided aid or comfort to its enemies from holding public office.
The attack on the Capitol by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021, involved violence against law enforcement and an attempt to hinder the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. Trump had delivered an inflammatory speech to his supporters, urging them to go to the Capitol and “fight like hell.” Despite requests to intervene, he did not take immediate action to stop the mob.
The Supreme Court is currently considering Trump’s challenge to his disqualification in Colorado. During oral arguments, the justices expressed skepticism about the decision and raised concerns about the potential impact of state actions on national elections.
