Former US president Donald Trump's appeal against a ruling by Colorado's highest court that disqualified him from the state's Republican primary ballot has been taken up by the country's top court to review.
The ruling will have far-reaching consequences for the forthcoming presidential election in 2024.
The US Supreme Court agreed to review the appeal in a case that revolves around a December 19 ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court, which disqualified Trump from the state's primary ballot under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. The verdict was based on his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack by his supporters, citing his engagement in insurrection.
With remarkable swiftness, the Supreme Court set February 8 for oral arguments in this high-stakes election case. Donald Trump's appeal, filed just two days prior, and the subsequent appeal by the state Republican Party, prompted this expedited review.
The Colorado Supreme Court's ruling stemmed from a challenge brought forth by Republican and unaffiliated voters in the state. It rested on a constitutional provision barring individuals who have participated in insurrection or rebellion from holding public office. Consequently, the ruling has brought the Supreme Court, which comprises a 6-3 conservative majority including three of Trump's appointees, into the contentious effort to challenge Trump's bid for the presidency.
This legal battle adds to the challenges Trump already faces. He is confronting criminal charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results that favored Joe Biden.
The situation has divided opinions among Republicans, with many criticising the disqualification as interference in the electoral process. Conversely, proponents of the disqualification argue that holding Trump accountable for an insurrection is crucial for upholding democratic principles.
The outcome of this Supreme Court review will significantly shape the political landscape, potentially impacting Trump's aspiration to reclaim the White House and setting a precedent for addressing alleged constitutional violations by public figures.