In a controversial move, the Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that former President Donald Trump’s name will appear on its primary ballot for the 2024 presidential election.
Michigan’s decision comes almost two weeks after Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling, which deemed the Republican candidate ineligible for office, citing the U.S. Constitution’s insurrection clause in the 14th Amendment, which prohibits any individual who “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” from candidacy.
Only one judge out of seven on the Michigan
Supreme Court dissented. Democrat Justice Elizabeth M. Welch revealed that, though she would have kept Trump on the ballot, she believes the decision should rely on the Section 3 challenge. Several people have expressed frustration with the Court’s decision, particularly given its 4-3 Democratic majority.“We are disappointed by the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision,” said Ron Fein, legal director of the liberal group Free Speech for People. “The ruling conflicts with longstanding U.S. Supreme Court precedent that makes
clear that when political parties use the election machinery of the state to select, via the primary process, their candidates for the general election, they must comply with all constitutional requirements in that process.”Free Speech for People had previously filed a suit to bar Trump from reelection. However, the motion was unsuccessful. The group is also attempting to keep Trump’s name off the ballots in Minnesota and Oregon.
Forbes reports that Trump took to the alt-tech social media platform Truth Social to express his satisfaction with Michigan’s ruling.
“The Michigan Supreme Court has strongly and rightfully denied the Desperate Democrat attempt to take the leading C
andidate in the 2024 Presidential Election, me, off the ballot in the Great State of Michigan,” Trump wrote. “This pathetic gambit to rig the Election has failed across the country, including in States that have historically leaned heavily toward the Democrats.”Trump’s legal woes have dominated headlines in recent months and have only worsened before the upcoming presidential election. States are grappling with the long-lasting effect of “Trumpmania” and his involvement with the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.
The former president’s controversial actions have left many political analysts wondering just how much of a threat he poses to President Joe Biden’s campaign.