Current:Home > ScamsMinnesota Supreme Court dismisses ‘insurrection clause’ challenge and allows Trump on primary ballot-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Minnesota Supreme Court dismisses ‘insurrection clause’ challenge and allows Trump on primary ballot
View Date:2024-12-23 22:25:37
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit seeking to bar former President Donald Trump from the 2024 primary ballot under a constitutional provision that forbids those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office.
The state’s high court declined to become the first in history to use Section Three of the 14th Amendment to prevent someone from running for the presidency. However, it said in its ruling the decision applied only to the state’s primary and left open the possibility that plaintiffs could try again to knock Trump off the general election ballot in November.
The ruling is the first to come in a series of lawsuits filed by liberal groups that are seeking to use Section Three to end the candidacy of the frontrunner in the Republican presidential primary by citing his role in the violent Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol that was intended to halt certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory.
Trump has attacked the lawsuits as “frivolous” attempts by “radical Democrat dark money groups” to short-circuit democracy by interfering with his attempt to regain the White House.
The provision at issue bars from office anyone who swore an oath to the constitution and then “engaged in insurrection” against it. It was mainly used to prevent former Confederates from taking over state and federal government positions after the Civil War.
The plaintiffs in the cases contend that Section Three is simply another qualification for the presidency, just like the Constitution’s requirement that a president be at least 35 years old. They filed in Minnesota because the state has a quick process to challenge ballot qualifications, with the case heard directly by the state’s highest court.
Trump’s attorneys argued that Section Three has no power without Congress laying out the criteria and procedures for applying it, that the Jan. 6 attack doesn’t meet the definition of insurrection and that the former president was simply using his free speech rights. They also argued that the clause doesn’t apply to the office of the presidency, which is not mentioned in the text.
Parallel cases are being heard in other states, including Colorado, where a state judge has scheduled closing arguments for next week.
veryGood! (7)
Related
- All the Ways Megan Fox Hinted at Her Pregnancy With Machine Gun Kelly
- Shades of Pemberley Bookstore in Alabama has a tailor-made book club for all ages
- Lost Your Keys Again? Get 35% off Tile Bluetooth Trackers
- Manhattan D.A. says he does not oppose a 30-day delay of Trump's hush money trial
- New Orleans marks with parade the 64th anniversary of 4 little girls integrating city schools
- 50 killed in anti-sorcery rituals after being forced to drink mysterious liquid, Angola officials say
- White Sox finally found the 'right time' for Dylan Cease trade, leaving Yankees hanging
- Kacey Musgraves offers clear-eyed candor as she explores a 'Deeper Well'
- Driver dies after crashing on hurricane-damaged highway in North Carolina
- AP Decision Notes: What to expect in the Illinois presidential and state primaries
Ranking
- Judge weighs the merits of a lawsuit alleging ‘Real Housewives’ creators abused a cast member
- Your ACA plan's advance premium tax credit may affect your refund or how much you owe.
- NWSL kicks off its 12th season this weekend, with two new teams and new media deal
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls for new election in Israel amid increasing criticism of Netanyahu
- Black and Latino families displaced from Palm Springs neighborhood reach $27M tentative settlement
- Maryland Senate votes for Gov. Wes Moore’s gun violence prevention center
- South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem faces lawsuit after viral endorsement of Texas dentists
- Millions blocked from porn sites as free speech, child safety debate rages across US
Recommendation
-
Mike Tyson impresses crowd during workout ahead of Jake Paul fight
-
Save Up to 60% Off on Barefoot Dreams Loungewear & Experience Cozy Like Never Before
-
As Conflict Rages On, Israel and Gaza’s Environmental Fates May Be Intertwined
-
Best Buy recalls over 287,000 air fryers due to overheating issue that can melt or shatter parts
-
Mike Tomlin's widely questioned QB switch to Russell Wilson has quieted Steelers' critics
-
Jax Taylor Addresses Cheating Rumors and Reveals the Real Reason for Brittany Cartwright Breakup
-
California could ban Flamin' Hot Cheetos and other snacks in schools under new bill
-
North Korea says Kim Jong Un test drove a new tank, urged troops to complete preparations for war