NEW YORK, NY – Efforts to block former President Donald Trump from appearing on ballots across America have raised questions about constitutionality and have been met with varied reactions from different states and political figures.
In New York, Democratic lawmakers are considering a lawsuit to exclude Trump from the state’s April 2 primary. This action is motivated by concerns related to the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who have “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against” the United States from holding office. New York is one of at least 16 states with pending legal challenges that aim to apply this section of the 14th Amendment to Trump, citing his alleged role in inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Trump has never been charged or convicted on any charges and was cleared by federal lawmakers of any wrongdoing in the January 6th incident.
In contrast, California Governor Gavin Newsom has urged caution among California Democrats eager to follow Colorado’s lead in blocking Trump from the ballot. Newsom emphasized defeating candidates at the polls and described other efforts as political distractions.
This response came after the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump was ineligible to run for president due to his involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection. However, Newsom advised waiting for the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, which will likely be the final authority on this matter.
A lawsuit in New Jersey seeks to bar Trump from the ballot. This week, Maine joined Colorado in banning Trump from running for office.