Illinois Judge: 14th Amendment Excludes Trump from 2024 Primary
TL/DR –
A judge in Cook County, Illinois has ruled that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to be on the 2024 Republican primary ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, known as the “insurrection clause.” The ruling contradicts a January decision by the Illinois State Board of Elections that approved Trump’s eligibility. The decision has been placed on immediate stay until March 1 in anticipation of an appeal, and Trump’s team has vowed to quickly respond with such an appeal, labeling the ruling as “unconstitutional.”
Trump Barred from 2024 Republican Primary Ballot by Illinois Judge
A Cook County, Illinois judge has ruled that the “insurrection clause” or Section 3 of the 14th Amendment bars former President Donald Trump from the 2024 Republican primary ballot. This decision overrules a previous January ruling from the Illinois State Board of Elections, which stated Trump could remain eligible.
Judge Tracie Porter has put her decision on hold until March 1, expecting an immediate appeal to the Illinois Appellate Court or the Illinois Supreme Court. In response, a Trump spokesman labeled the ruling as “unconstitutional” and indicated a swift appeal.
The decision is championed as “historic victory” by watchdog group Free Speech for People, who helped the group of voters present the 14th Amendment challenge in Illinois. However, the ruling adds to a string of conflicting decisions regarding Trump’s eligibility under the 14th Amendment across the nation. The disagreement is anticipated to be resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Supporters of the disqualification argue that Trump’s conduct after losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, including actions related to Jan. 6, should render him ineligible to hold office in the future. However, Trump denies any wrongdoing and deems the 14th Amendment challenges as anti-democratic.
During a lengthy oral argument before the Supreme Court in the Trump v. Anderson case, all nine justices expressed doubts over an individual state’s authority to deny a federal office candidate access to the ballot as an “insurrectionist.” Judge Porter stated that her ruling would be stayed if the Supreme Court’s decision contradicts her own.
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