Court Ruling and Pledge to Withdraw
In a significant development, former President Donald Trump has been disqualified from the Colorado GOP primary. The disqualification, made under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, is due to Trump’s conduct during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. The ruling, with a 4-3 majority, is stayed until January 4 pending likely appeals. In response, Trump has pledged to withdraw from the primary unless he is allowed to be on the state’s ballot.
Colorado Supreme Court’s Decision
The Colorado Supreme Court justices who formed the majority acknowledged the weight of the decision, stating that they did not reach their conclusions lightly. They emphasized their duty to apply the law without being swayed by public reaction. However, three justices dissented from the decision.
Trump Campaign’s Response
Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling and announced that an appeal would be filed on Tuesday night. In a statement, Cheung criticized the all-Democrat-appointed Colorado Supreme Court, alleging their support of a left-wing group’s interference in the election. He further claimed that the decision eliminated the rights of Colorado voters to choose their preferred candidate.
Calling the decision flawed and undemocratic, Cheung affirmed that an appeal would be made to the United States Supreme Court. He expressed confidence that the higher court would rule in their favor and put an end to what he described as “unAmerican lawsuits.”
Previous Ruling and Secretary of State’s Statement
Previously, Colorado District Judge Sarah B. Wallace allowed Trump to remain on the ballot but found him to have “engaged in insurrection” during the Capitol riot. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold commented that she would continue to follow court guidance on the matter. Griswold noted that the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling barred Trump from the state’s ballot due to his involvement in the insurrection and attempts to overturn the 2020 Presidential Election.
Disqualification Lawsuits and Pending Appeals
The disqualification lawsuits regarding Trump’s appearance on the ballot are still pending in 13 states, including Texas, Nevada, and Wisconsin. The outcome of these legal battles will have significant implications for Trump’s future political endeavors.
Reported by Bill Mears and Adam Sabes from Fox News.
