In Colorado, a judge has dismissed a challenge by the Left-leaning group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington to exclude former President Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 presidential primary ballot under the 14th Amendment. The challenge, based on the insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment, was filed on behalf of six Colorado voters. Colorado Judge Sarah B. Wallace ruled that Trump could not be removed from the ballot, citing a reluctance to embrace an interpretation that would disqualify a presidential candidate without a clear, unmistakable indication of such intent in Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Similar efforts to block Trump from state ballots had previously failed in Michigan and Minnesota.
The judge acknowledged the Capitol riot as an “insurrection” and asserted that Trump intended to incite political violence. Wallace stated that Trump acted with specific intent to disrupt the electoral certification by inciting violence directed at the Capitol, fostering a culture that embraced political violence through consistent endorsement.
Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung welcomed the ruling, describing it as another setback for what he characterized as “cynical and blatant political attempts” by Democrats to interfere with the upcoming presidential election. Cheung contended that such challenges stem from the belief that President Joe Biden is a failed leader on track for defeat.
Mario Nicolais, the lawyer for the challenging group, indicated plans to appeal. He emphasized the court’s finding that Trump engaged in insurrection and expressed satisfaction with the opinion. The group looks forward to addressing the legal issue on appeal regarding whether Section 3 of the 14th Amendment applies to presidents involved in insurrection.
Coinciding with the ruling, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the public release of footage from January 6. While aimed at providing transparency, previous footage focused on protester clashes with law enforcement. The latest footage reportedly shows individuals walking down a hallway in an orderly fashion, some even waving to officers.
District Court Judge Sarah B. Wallace found the provision of the 14th Amendment barring insurrectionists from holding office does not apply to presidents and, therefore, does not disqualify Trump.https://t.co/npopLe3RG2 pic.twitter.com/4rqv67rMKP
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 18, 2023