In a 4-3 ruling that is expected to ignite intense debate, the Colorado Supreme Court has determined that former President Donald Trump “engaged in insurrection” and is disqualified from being listed as a candidate on the state’s presidential primary ballot. The decision is anticipated to draw fierce criticism from Trump’s supporters while garnering applause from those who have condemned his actions surrounding the events on January 6.
The majority of Colorado’s seven justices, in a written statement, stated that Trump’s “direct and express efforts, over several months” explicitly encouraged his followers to march to the Capitol, falsely characterizing alleged fraud on the American people. They further emphasized that Trump initiated these actions in an overt and voluntary manner, pursuing a common unlawful purpose to prevent Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election and obstructing the peaceful transfer of power.
Consequently, the ruling declares that Trump’s disqualification is in accordance with Section Three of the Election Code, which prohibits him from holding the office of President. As a result, it would be deemed a wrongful act for the Secretary to include Trump as a candidate on the presidential primary ballot.
However, the justices have temporarily stayed their ruling until January 4 pending an appeal. This decision gives Trump’s legal team an opportunity to challenge the ruling and present counterarguments.
Three of the seven judges dissented in the ruling, criticizing the majority’s decision. Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright and Justices Carlos A. Samour Jr. and Maria E. Berkenkotter expressed their disagreement.
Justice Boatright claimed that without a conviction related to insurrection, the case should have been dismissed. Justice Samour argued that the majority’s opinion contradicted the due process doctrine, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the ruling.
As reactions to this landmark ruling continue to pour in, the legal battle surrounding Donald Trump’s role in the events of January 6 and his potential disqualification from the presidential primary ballot is set to intensify in the coming days.
