A judge in Michigan has ruled that former President Donald Trump will be allowed to remain on the state’s 2024 presidential primary ballot, despite ongoing legal challenges questioning his eligibility for office. The decision comes after opponents of Trump argued that his actions surrounding the January 6th storming of the U.S. Capitol constituted insurrection against the country, making him ineligible under the 14th Amendment.
Michigan Court of Claims Judge James Redford rejected this argument, stating that removing a candidate from the ballot and prohibiting them from running would strip Congress of its ability to address such matters. Redford further stated that the question of Trump’s eligibility is a political one and not ripe for adjudication at this time.
Similar efforts to bar Trump from primary ballots are also underway in other states, including Colorado. A watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility, and six Colorado voters filed a lawsuit citing the 14th Amendment to block Trump’s appearance on the primary ballot. The Trump team has made multiple motions to dismiss the case, but so far, Judge Sarah B. Wallace has rejected them.
Despite these legal challenges, none of the attempts to remove Trump from the ballot have been successful thus far. The Minnesota Supreme Court recently dismissed a lawsuit seeking to block Trump’s candidacy, and a similar move was swatted down in New Hampshire.
Trump’s opponents are increasingly resorting to legal tactics in their efforts to prevent his return to office. However, experts have criticized the arguments made in these cases, calling them “dubious” and “dangerous.” Supporters of Trump argue that these efforts are aimed at depriving voters of their choice in the upcoming 2024 elections.
It remains to be seen how the legal battles surrounding Trump’s eligibility will unfold, but for now, he will continue to be a contender on the primary ballot in Michigan. As the former president faces a bevy of legal troubles, these challenges highlight the ongoing divisions and controversies within the political landscape.
Anders Hagstrom, a reporter with Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events, contributed to this report.
