Trump takes ballot battle to U.S. Supreme Court, appeals against colorado exclusion in unprecedented legal challenge

Former President Donald Trump has formally appealed to the US Supreme Court, challenging the recent decision by Colorado’s highest court to exclude him from the state’s Republican primary ballot. The Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling, issued last month, was grounded in Trump’s alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol by his supporters

In a comprehensive 43-page filing, Trump’s legal team has petitioned the conservative-dominated Supreme Court, which includes three justices appointed during Trump’s presidency, to review and overturn the Colorado decision.

The argument put forth emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the ruling, contending that it would be the first instance in US history where the judiciary impedes voters from selecting a major-party presidential candidate.

Trump’s legal challenges extend beyond Colorado, as he has recently contested a decision by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who deemed him ineligible for the primary ballot in that state. In this filing, Trump’s attorneys assert that Bellows, a Democrat, exhibited bias and acted arbitrarily in her decision-making process. The legal disputes in both Colorado and Maine revolve around the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, Section Three, which prohibits individuals involved in “insurrection or rebellion” from holding public office. Notably, the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 after the Civil War, was designed to prevent supporters of the Confederate states from attaining federal positions.

While facing challenges in some states, Trump has found legal success in others. Recent court rulings in Minnesota and Michigan have upheld his eligibility for the primary ballot. These developments underscore the complex legal landscape the twice-impeached former president navigates as he seeks the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Simultaneously, Trump faces legal proceedings in Washington, scheduled for March, related to alleged conspiracies to overturn the 2020 election results. Additionally, racketeering charges in Georgia add another layer to his legal challenges. As the presidential primaries approach, set for March 5, commonly known as “Super Tuesday,” Trump’s legal battles take center stage amid a dynamic political landscape.