On Wednesday, an Illinois judge issued a ruling preventing former President Donald Trump from appearing on the state’s Republican presidential primary ballot, citing his alleged involvement in the Capitol riot.
This decision reignites the ongoing dispute in Illinois regarding Trump’s eligibility for the 2024 ballots.
Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter sided with a group of Illinois voters who contended that Trump should be disqualified based on a provision of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
Advocates in Illinois, as well as across the nation, have asserted that Trump participated in the insurrection that took place on January 6, 2021.
They argue that this disqualifies him from seeking the presidency again, as a segment of the 14th Amendment, established after the Civil War, prohibits individuals who have engaged in insurrection after previously pledging to uphold the Constitution from holding office.
Trump Challenges Amendment, Denies Insurrection
Trump contends that the provisions of the amendment do not extend to former presidents, and furthermore, he denies any involvement in insurrectionary activities.
Last month, the Illinois state election board ruled in favor of Trump’s eligibility to participate in the state’s presidential primary.
This decision followed a previous ruling by a former Republican judge in Illinois, tasked with adjudicating an insurrection case involving Trump, who concluded that Trump is ineligible for the presidency.
However, the judge recommended that the final decision rest with the courts.
Judge Porter, on Wednesday, temporarily postponed the enforcement of her ruling, anticipating an appeal from Trump.
The Supreme Court is expected to weigh in on the matter.
Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court is deliberating on whether the 14th Amendment can be invoked to disqualify Trump.
Trump has already faced exclusion from ballots in Colorado and Maine due to his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, although he is contesting these decisions.