The Supreme Court is set to announce its opinion on former President Donald Trump’s appeal after being struck from the ballot in Colorado. The decision is expected to be announced on Monday, just one day before Super Tuesday, when Colorado holds its primary election. This announcement comes after the Supreme Court stated that it “may announce opinions” on Monday morning.
Typically, the Supreme Court announces its decisions from the bench. However, this time the decision will only be posted online, and the justices will not return until March 15. The case at hand is Trump v. Anderson, which was brought by Trump after he was removed from Colorado’s ballot in November. The state’s supreme court upheld the decision to strike him from the ballot.
The outcome of this case is anticipated to have broader implications, as Trump is facing legal challenges in other states as well. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of Trump, it is likely to trigger similar rulings from judges in lower courts. For instance, Trump was also removed from the ballot in Maine on December 29, but a Superior Court judge delayed the ruling until the Supreme Court issued its decision. Similarly, a Cook County Circuit Court judge in Illinois struck Trump from the ballot but put a stay on her ruling, awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision.
The legal challenge against Trump’s inclusion on state ballots revolves around the interpretation of the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause. This clause prohibits candidates who have “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against” the United States from running for office. Lawyers from Colorado and other states argue that Trump’s actions during the January 6 Capitol riot qualify as an insurrection against the government.
During oral arguments in January, the justices expressed skepticism about barring the former president from the ballot solely based on his alleged involvement in the insurrection. Justices like John Roberts and Ketanji Brown Jackson raised concerns about a few states having the power to decide the entire election.
The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision will shape the trajectory of Trump’s legal battles across various states. It remains to be seen whether the court will rule in favor of Trump or uphold the decisions to strike him from the ballot. Regardless, this case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding Trump’s eligibility to run for office and the interpretation of the insurrection clause.