The Minnesota Supreme Court has unequivocally dismissed an attempt to prevent President Trump from appearing on the primary ballot.
The court convened last Thursday to deliberate on the possibility of barring Trump from the 2024 ballot, following a lawsuit filed by eight Minnesota voters.
The lawsuit, argued by a left-leaning attorney, invoked the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which disqualifies public officials who have "engaged in insurrection or rebellion against" the U.S. from holding public office. It is noteworthy that Trump has not been formally accused of inciting insurrection or rebellion against the United States.
Five justices, including four Democrats, expressed doubts about the authority of states to determine Trump's eligibility for the 2024 ballot. Two justices recused themselves from the case. Chief Justice Natalie Hudson was particularly critical of the argument presented by the left-leaning attorney, asserting that the matter is a national issue to be resolved by Congress.
Justice Hudson further questioned the wisdom of such a move, even if it were legally possible, suggesting that it could lead to "chaos" if states were granted the power to exclude individuals from the ballot. The Minnesota Supreme Court categorically rejected the left-leaning attorney's attempt to bar Trump from the primary ballot.
"There is no state statute that prohibits a major political party from placing on the presidential nomination primary ballot a candidate who is ineligible to hold office," Chief Justice Natalie Hudson stated in a four-page order, as reported by AFP. The court also indicated that it would consider a similar claim to exclude Trump from the 2024 general election ballot at a later date.
Lawsuits invoking the 14th Amendment are currently being contested in several states. In Colorado, a trial began this week following a lawsuit filed by a group of voters seeking to disqualify Trump from the 2024 ballot. The case, which will be decided by a Democrat judge, has already seen Trump's attempts to dismiss the lawsuit rebuffed.
The U.S. Constitution outlines three requirements for presidential eligibility. The decision of a few disgruntled Democrat voters and left-leaning lawyers cannot determine a person's eligibility to run for President.
Login