The Michigan Supreme Court has decided to maintain former President Donald Trump’s place on the state’s primary election ballot, rejecting an appeal to remove him. This decision follows a previous ruling by a Michigan appeals court, which the Supreme Court chose not to review, stating they were not convinced the questions raised warranted their intervention.
This ruling stands in contrast to a recent decision by the Colorado Supreme Court, which deemed Trump ineligible for the presidency due to his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The Colorado decision marked a historical use of the 14th Amendment’s Section 3 to disqualify a presidential candidate.
In a recent article by AP News, Numerous cases across different states have sought to remove Trump from ballots, citing the 14th Amendment’s clause against those engaged in insurrection or rebellion. Until the Colorado ruling, these attempts had been unsuccessful.
While the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision allows Trump to remain on the primary ballot, they did not comment on the applicability of the 14th Amendment’s Section 3 for the general election. This leaves open the possibility for future challenges if Trump becomes the GOP nominee.
Legal director Ron Fein of Free Speech for People, a liberal group behind the Michigan lawsuit, expressed disappointment with the decision. He believes it conflicts with the U.S. Supreme Court precedents regarding the constitutional requirements political parties must adhere to during the primary process.
Trump, on the other hand, welcomed the ruling, dismissing the efforts to keep him off ballots as a futile attempt. The court’s decision saw only one dissenting voice, Justice Elizabeth M. Welch, who agreed with keeping Trump on the primary ballot but felt the court should address the Section 3 challenge.
In the backdrop of this legal battle, Trump’s actions during the 2020 elections, particularly in Wayne County, Michigan, have come under scrutiny. His 2024 campaign has yet to confirm or deny the legitimacy of a recording implicating him in efforts to influence the certification of the 2020 vote totals.
The decision in Michigan is part of a larger legal landscape, with similar challenges being made in states like Minnesota and Oregon. As the debate over the 14th Amendment’s implications continues, all eyes are now on Maine, where a decision regarding Trump’s eligibility for the primary ballot is pending, further complicating the legal and political narrative surrounding the former president’s eligibility for future office.