The US Supreme Court is set to hear Donald Trump's appeal challenging the Colorado ruling that called for his removal from the state ballot under the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, citing incitement to insurrection. In a brief order issued on Friday, the court scheduled the case for arguments on February 8, raising anticipation for a pivotal moment in American history.
As the Republican presidential primary progresses, a quick decision is expected, especially since Trump has also been disqualified from the ballot in Maine, pending a ruling appeal in state court. The Colorado primary is scheduled for March 5, with overseas ballots set to be mailed on January 20 and others between February 12 and 16. The suspension of Trump's candidacy remains in place as long as the Supreme Court appeal is ongoing.
The legal proceedings are gaining attention in the midst of a high-stakes presidential election year, highlighting the challenges faced by Trump following his impeachment and acquittal over the Capitol attack. The 14th Amendment, designed to bar supporters of the Confederate states, is rarely invoked, making this case particularly significant.
Legal scholars, including Laurence Tribe and retired judge J. Michael Luttig, argue that Trump should be disqualified under the 14th Amendment. Luttig called the Colorado ruling a "monumental decision of constitutional law" and believes the Supreme Court ruling will be "arguably the single most important constitutional decision in all of our history."
While some question whether Section 3 of the 14th Amendment applies to the presidency or someone not convicted of insurrection, the case raises debates on its potential impact on democracy. Trump, facing multiple legal challenges, leads Republican polling but could face uncharted territory if the Supreme Court rules against him in the Colorado case.
Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, welcomed a "fair hearing" at the Supreme Court, describing the Colorado decision as a "bad-faith, election-interfering, voter-suppressing" effort by left-wing activists. Legal experts predict a complex legal battle, and with a conservative-leaning Supreme Court dominated by justices appointed during Trump's presidency, the outcome remains uncertain.
Controversies surrounding justices, including Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas, add additional layers to the proceedings, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and the perceived impartiality of the judicial process. As the case unfolds, observers brace for a potentially wild legal ride with implications for the integrity of the electoral system and the Supreme Court's role in the democratic process.