Trump banned on Illinois ballot, pending appeal decision
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Cook County circuit judge Tracie Porter has concurred with the plaintiffs, determining that Trump's conduct on January 6, 2021, constituted "insurrection".
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US President Donald Trump speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC early on November 4, 2020. (AFP)
A ruling in Illinois has declared that Donald Trump cannot run for the 2024 presidential election in the state. The decision, arising from a lawsuit by Illinois voters, is grounded in a provision of the state's Election Code preventing candidates involved in "insurrection" or rebellion against the United States from seeking office.
The lawsuit contended that Trump's actions during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol make him ineligible for office.
Cook County circuit judge Tracie Porter concurred with the plaintiffs, determining that Trump's conduct on January 6, 2021, constituted "insurrection". As a result, she ruled that he was ineligible to hold office according to the Illinois Constitution.
“The Illinois State Board of Election shall remove Donald J Trump from the ballot for the General Primary Election on March 19, 2024, or cause any votes cast for him to be suppressed,” she said.
Democrats and certain Republicans accuse Trump of inciting his supporters to storm the US Capitol, questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. The judge ruled that Trump's actions also breached the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, which bars individuals involved in insurrection from holding federal or state office. A comparable case in Colorado awaits a decision from the US Supreme Court.
Trump has lately expressed intentions to challenge the decision in Illinois, anticipating a prolonged legal process, considering it threatens his aspirations for the presidency. Given Illinois' significance as a swing state, winning it would be crucial for Trump's chances of securing the presidency. Additionally, the decision establishes a precedent that could complicate Trump's eligibility to run for office in other states.
Trump's approval surges to highest level since 2022
Results from a compilation of a dozen polls by RealClearPolitics revealed on Wednesday that the approval rating of former US President Donald Trump has skyrocketed to its highest level since 2022.
According to results, 42.1% of potential voters hold a favorable view of Trump, compared to only 35.9% measured in December 2022.
This marks Trump's highest rating since April 22, 2022. At the time, only 45.8% of potential voters viewed him favorably.
The aggregate data further indicate that 54% of voters currently maintain an "unfavorable" view of Trump.
In light of the current presidential race, Trump is holding a slight edge over his primary competitor, President Joe Biden. Data show that only 39.8% of Americans hold a favorable view of Biden, while 55.5% express an unfavorable opinion of him.
Election Heat Rises
This year's elections likely mark the most heated the country has ever witnessed, due to considerations from certain states, namely Texas, to split away from the federation.
While Republicans have pointed fingers at Biden for his handling of the migrant crisis, Biden has attempted to deflect these criticisms by attributing the lack of progress to Congress's failure to support his proposed reforms.
Trump, on the other hand, maintains his staunch anti-immigration stance, which has long been a cornerstone of his political persona, and he has consistently pledged to tighten measures against border crossings from Mexico in his pursuit of a White House comeback.
Other issues have arisen due to Biden's pro-Israeli stance. In light of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, his policy has led voters in Michigan to vote "uncommitted."
On Wednesday, Trump and Biden won the primaries in the State of Michigan.
According to Edison Research, with 10% of the estimated Democratic vote tallied, Biden secured 79% support and 16% "non-committed" votes.
Similarly, with 8% of the estimated Republican vote counted, Trump garnered 64% support compared to Nikki Haley's 32%.
