Trump Remains on Colorado Ballot Despite Judge's 'Insurrection' Finding
Trump Remains on Colorado Ballot Despite Judge's 'Insurrection' Finding
A Colorado judge ruled on Friday to permit Donald Trump's inclusion on the state's election ballot next year, despite determining that he was involved in an "insurrection" by instigating the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.
Judge Sarah Wallace's decision, expected to face appeals, dismisses an attempt by a group of Colorado voters to disqualify Trump under a seldom-used constitutional amendment barring officials engaged in "insurrection" from holding federal office. The judge clarified that Trump, as president, did not fall under the category of an "officer of the United States" eligible for disqualification under the amendment.
While a victory for Trump, battling multiple challenges to his candidacy, a spokesperson for Trump highlighted the ruling as "another blow to the un-American ballot challenges." Emphasizing the constitutional right of the American voter to choose their candidate, the spokesperson, Steven Cheung, emphasized Trump's widespread support.
However, the judge concluded that Trump's actions and words significantly contributed to and were the factual cause of the Capitol attack. The ruling acknowledged Trump's involvement in an insurrection through incitement on January 6, 2021.
The Colorado case, initiated by voters supported by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), marks the inaugural trial in the broader disqualification effort, and CREW President Noah Bookbinder declared the group's intention to appeal.
Lawyers for the voters argued that Trump's propagation of baseless claims about election fraud, alongside summoning supporters to a rally in Washington and subsequently encouraging them to march to the Capitol during Congress's election certification, constituted an insurrection. This led to thousands of his supporters storming the Capitol, resulting in violence and disruption.
Trump's legal team contended that he had no affiliations with far-right extremist groups pivotal in the attack and that his pre-riot statements were protected by free speech rights.
The ruling specifically applies to the Republican presidential primary and general election in Colorado, classified as a safe Democratic state for the general election by nonpartisan political forecasters.
This ruling stands as the most recent challenge to disqualify Trump, following similar unsuccessful attempts in Minnesota and Michigan. While courts there declined efforts to prevent him from the Republican primary ballot, his eligibility for the November 2024 general election remains undecided.
The Colorado verdict holds the potential for further appeals, possibly reaching the state's supreme court and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court, where a conservative majority, including three Trump appointees, presides.
