Supreme Court keeps Trump on ballots
They ruled that Colorado and other states cannot disqualify former President Donald Trump from federal office


What happened?
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that Colorado and other states cannot disqualify former President Donald Trump from federal office under Section 3 of the 14th amendment, which bars candidates who "engaged in insurrection." A 5-4 majority said Congress must pass legislation for the 14th Amendment to be enforced.
Who said what?
States "have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, especially the presidency," the Supreme Court said in an unsigned 9-0 opinion. The five-justice majority went too far, unnecessarily attempting to "insulate all alleged insurrectionists from future challenges to their holding federal office," Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson said in a concurring opinion. Trump said he thinks the "very well-crafted" decision "will go a long way toward bringing our country together."
The commentary
Keeping Trump on the ballots is "defensible," but the "bare" 5-4 majority "had no reason to nullify the insurrection clause" other than as a special "unwarranted gift to Donald Trump" and other Jan. 6 "oathbreakers," Mark Joseph Stern said at Slate. This "clear legal win" for Trump also undermined a "central theme" of his campaign, that the courts are "hopelessly corrupt, conflicted and rigged against him," Jonathan Karl said at ABC News.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What next?
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said he's working on a bill to bar insurrectionists from office. Meanwhile, Axios said, the court's ruling "likely opened the door for Jan. 6 rioters to run for federal office."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Gavin Newsom mulls California redistricting to counter Texas gerrymandering
TALKING POINTS A controversial plan has become a major flashpoint among Democrats struggling for traction in the Trump era
-
6 perfect gifts for travel lovers
The Week Recommends The best trip is the one that lives on and on
-
How can you get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?
the explainer These steps can help boost the Social Security amount you receive
-
'For frequent travelers, the costs add up'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
President diagnosed with 'chronic venous insufficiency'
Speed Read The vein disorder has given Trump swollen ankles and visible bruising on his hands
-
'Bawdy' Trump letter supercharges Epstein scandal
Speed Read The Wall Street Journal published details of Trump's alleged birthday letter to Epstein
-
Fed chair Powell in Trump's firing line
Speed Read The president considers removing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell
-
'Singling out crypto for special scrutiny would be misguided'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Trump trashes supporters over Epstein files
speed read The president lashed out on social media following criticism of his administration's Jeffrey Epstein investigation
-
'A recipe for higher costs and lower living standards'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Judge nixes wiping medical debt from credit checks
Speed Read Medical debt can now be included in credit reports