Supreme Court Set to Reject Efforts to Bar Trump from 2024 Ballot, US

The US Supreme Court appears poised to reject efforts to remove former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot. If the court rules in Trump’s favor, it would effectively end attempts in Colorado, Maine, and other states to prevent his name from appearing on the ballot. The justices, both conservative and liberal, expressed skepticism during arguments about whether Trump can be disqualified from running again due to his actions following his loss in the 2020 presidential election. The main question is whether Congress must pass legislation before states can invoke a constitutional provision that prohibits individuals who engaged in insurrection from holding office again. Justice Elena Kagan raised concerns about allowing a single state to decide who can be president. While a definitive ruling is expected soon, the majority of the justices appeared open to some of the arguments presented by Trump’s lawyer. Only Justice Sonia Sotomayor seemed inclined to uphold the Colorado Supreme Court ruling that found Trump ineligible due to his alleged involvement in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. The debate largely revolved around legal questions, with little focus on whether Trump actually incited insurrection. Regardless of the Supreme Court’s decision, the issue could potentially trigger a constitutional crisis. Trump has also appealed a ruling by Maine’s Democratic secretary of state that declared him ineligible for the state’s ballot. The court has indicated it will act swiftly, shortening its usual period for written briefing and arguments. The case marks the first time the justices are considering Section 3 of the 14th amendment, a provision that arose after the Civil War to address insurrection. Trump has been involved in several legal battles in the past, and this case adds to the list. Looking ahead, the court is expected to face further appeals from Trump, including one related to his election subversion trial. In addition, the court is scheduled to hear an appeal from a defendant charged in connection with the Capitol riot. The Supreme Court’s role in this case is significant, as a ruling in Trump’s favor would grant him access to the ballot while a ruling against him could potentially bar him from running again. The decision of the court will undoubtedly impact the political landscape leading up to the 2024 election.