Trump Pushing Legal Challenges to Colorado, Maine Ballot Bans
Former President Donald Trump is gearing up to challenge decisions in Colorado and Maine that exclude him from primary ballots for the 2024 presidential election.
Legal challenges are expected to be filed as early as Tuesday, responding to rulings in both states citing the "insurrection" clause in the 14th Amendment and his actions leading up to the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
Trump plans legal challenges to Colorado, Maine primary ballot removals https://t.co/1aNtYUfvkU pic.twitter.com/hHhDBbCD9i
— New York Post (@nypost) December 30, 2023
In Maine, Trump's team plans to challenge the secretary of state's decision in state court, while the Colorado ruling, issued by the state's highest court, will be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court, now with a Republican supermajority due to Trump's appointments, is anticipated to face pressure to intervene in the matter.
Trump has expressed confidence in the court ruling in his favor privately, having appointed three conservative justices.
There is also concern that conservative judges may avoid being perceived as political and rule against Trump.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump criticized Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, stating, "Fishermen, Loggers, & Lobstermen, who voted for President Trump overwhelmingly, are furious with this non-lawyer Sec. of State."
While the secretary of state in California has affirmed Trump's presence on the ballot, legal filings seek to remove him from ballots in 14 other states, with more expected, according to Lawfare.
Donald Trump's legal team intends to challenge the Colorado ruling at the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Colorado high court cited the anti-insurrection clause (Section 3 of the 14th Amendment) in the Constitution, asserting that Trump's engagement in the January 6, 2021 insurrection renders him ineligible for the ballot.
The legal challenges underscore the ongoing battle over Trump's eligibility in various states and the potential impact on the 2024 presidential election as he continues his comeback bid for the White House against President Joe Biden.
