A judge in Illinois has ruled against allowing Donald Trump to appear on the state’s Republican presidential primary ballot, citing his role in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol. Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter supported Illinois voters’ claims that Trump violated the anti-insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, disqualifying him from the March 19 primary ballot and the November 5 general election ballot. The judge delayed the ruling due to an expected appeal by Trump, with the outcome likely to reach the US Supreme Court.
This decision follows similar challenges in Colorado and Maine, where Trump was removed from state ballots under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, barring individuals engaged in insurrection from holding public office. Trump is appealing both cases, and the Supreme Court is currently reviewing his challenge to the Colorado disqualification. Advocacy group Free Speech For People hailed the Illinois ruling as a “Historic Victory,” while a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign criticized it as “unconstitutional” and pledged a swift appeal.
The developments underscore the ongoing legal battles over Trump’s eligibility for future elections, with constitutional clauses being invoked in response to his alleged role in the Capitol riot. The Supreme Court’s eventual decisions will likely shape the trajectory of these challenges and influence the broader discourse on the consequences of the events of January 6, 2021.
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