Democrats are trying to take Donald Trump off the ballot in several states. That could be just the worst news Trump could ever get if it happens:
Former President Donald Trump’s representatives are pushing back against calls to disqualify him from the 2024 presidential ballot under the 14th Amendment. The controversy surrounds Section 3 of the amendment, which prevents anyone who “engaged in insurrection” against the U.S. from holding elected office.
Democrats Rep. Adam Schiff and Sen. Tim Kaine claim that Trump’s actions on January 6th qualify for disqualification, but a Trump campaign spokesperson dismisses this as an “absurd conspiracy theory.”
Donald Trump ‘Will Never Quit’
Trump continues to deny any wrongdoing in the criminal cases against him and has pleaded not guilty in three of them.
Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty in a Georgia election subversion case.
Amid these legal battles, Trump remains a prominent figure in Republican politics, with the 2024 election looming large
Despite the slew of indictments against him, the former President seems determined to stay the course, telling Politico last month: “I’ll never leave.” He also adamantly rejects the possibility of pardoning himself, maintaining his innocence and stating, “I didn’t do anything wrong.” US law does not prevent a presidential candidate from running while under indictment or even if convicted.
Does Donald Trump Qualify For the Presidency?
Election officials in several states are considering whether to remove Trump’s name from the 2024 ballot under the 14th Amendment.
Prominent legal scholars have weighed in on both sides of the argument.
While conservative law professors William Baude and Michael Paulsen argue for disqualification, two liberal nonprofits pledge legal action if Trump’s name appears.
Also, House Democrat Adam Schiff and U.S. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine voiced their support for disqualification.
Yet, according to the US Constitution, there are only three qualifications a person must fulfill to run for President:
-Be at least 35 years old
-Be a natural-born citizen
-Have lived in the U.S for a minimum 14 years
As of now, Trump fits all of them.
Schiff and Kaine’s Views on the 14th Amendment
Schiff contends that the 14th Amendment case is a “valid argument,” emphasizing that engaging in acts of insurrection or rebellion disqualifies one from running for office.
Kaine echoes this sentiment, stating that there’s “a powerful argument” for disqualifying Trump, though he anticipates a court resolution. Both Democrats see the January 6th attack on the Capitol as a direct challenge to the Constitution’s peaceful transfer of power.
In response to the 14th Amendment controversy, Trump has sent out fundraising emails. These emails decry “traitorous ‘Republicans'” who may be exploring legal actions against him while facing four criminal indictments. A Trump campaign spokesperson criticizes those pursuing this “absurd conspiracy theory” and likens it to other legal challenges Trump has faced.
Court Dismissal?
While Trump’s supporters label the 14th Amendment argument as a “bogus legal theory,” a Florida judge recently dismissed a similar challenge, stating that the plaintiffs lacked standing to question Trump’s qualifications. The judge argued that the injuries alleged in the U.S. Capitol insurrection were not specific to the plaintiffs.
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
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