The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected an attempt to disqualify Donald Trump from the Republican primary for the 2024 presidential election in this northern US state.
Building on the 14e amendment to the US Constitution, the plaintiffs demanded that the former president be prevented from appearing on the ballot on the grounds that he “participated in an insurrection”, in reference to the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
They appealed to the high court after an appeal court rejected their request.
But the Supreme Court said Wednesday that it was not “convinced” that it must examine “the questions presented.”
Similar actions have been presented in several states across the country. If Michigan and Minnesota rejected them, the Colorado Supreme Court caused a sensation by declaring Mr. Trump ineligible last week because of his actions during the assault on the Capitol.
Donald Trump, the Republicans’ big favorite for 2024, immediately welcomed Michigan’s decision, denouncing attempts to disqualify him as “a pathetic move to rig the election.”
“The Court’s decision is disappointing, but we will continue, at a later stage, to seek to uphold this essential constitutional provision designed to protect our republic,” attorney Mark Brewer said in a statement. Free Speech For Peoplethe organization that filed the complaint.
“Trump led a rebellion and insurrection against the Constitution when he attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election and he can never run for or hold public office again,” he said.
All eyes are now on the United States Supreme Court to possibly decide the issue, with the ex-president intending to appeal to it.
The 14the amendment to the Constitution, adopted in 1868 and aimed at the time at the supporters of the Southern Confederacy defeated during the Civil War (1861-1865), excludes from all public responsibility anyone, after having taken an oath to defend the Constitution, would be engaged in acts of “rebellion”.