US Supreme Court reverses Colorado decision, Trump back on ballots
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Trump described the outcome as a "big win" for the United States after he was allowed once again to run in the state of Colorado.
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Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally, on March 2, 2024, in Greensboro, North Carolina (AP)
The US Supreme Court on Monday overturned a decision by the Colorado Supreme Court, which had barred former President Donald Trump from appearing on the 2024 presidential primary ballots in the state.
"For the reasons given, responsibility for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates rests with Congress and not the States. The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court therefore cannot stand," the US Supreme Court said in its decision.
"The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court is reversed."
During arguments in the case, Supreme Court justices expressed sympathy for Trump's appeal of a December 19 verdict by Colorado's highest court.
Colorado is one of 15 states that conducts primary elections on "Super Tuesday."
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The State along with multiple others have sought to disqualify Trump from election ballots, citing his connection to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot and a constitutional provision that could prohibit individuals involved in insurrection from holding public office.
A ruling in Illinois last week also declared that 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.
Last Wednesday, the Supreme Court agreed to hear Trump's claim of immunity from prosecution for attempting to overturn his 2020 election defeat.
Cook County circuit judge Tracie Porter agreed 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.
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After the US Supreme Court's decision overturning the ruling in Colorado, Trump described the outcome as a "big win" for the United States.
Trump on Saturday swept to victory in the Republican caucuses in Michigan, a contested state for the party that some Republicans fear could hurt his campaign in the key battleground state as he gears up for the election in November.
The former US President also won the latest Republican presidential nomination vote on Saturday, defeating competitor Nikki Haley in Missouri.
