The lawsuit against former President Donald Trump in Colorado seeks to bar him from the state’s 2024 presidential ballot. The plaintiffs argue that Trump’s actions leading up to and during the January 6, 2021, protests at the U.S. Capitol disqualify him under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Specifically, they cite Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which states that no person may hold office if they “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” after swearing under oath to support and defend the Constitution.
The case was filed by six Colorado voters, including former state, federal, and local officials, and is supported by the liberal group Citizens For Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Trump’s eligibility to appear on the Colorado ballot in 2024 and may also impact similar challenges in other states.
The lawsuit has faced several legal challenges, but it has survived and is now set for an unprecedented trial. The Colorado Supreme Court has denied a bid by Trump to toss the lawsuit, and a district judge has issued a protective order prohibiting threats and intimidation in the case. The trial is expected to test the interpretation of the 14th Amendment and may potentially reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
