The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Thursday about whether officials in the state of Colorado and other states have the authority to remove former President Donald Trump from the 2024 presidential ballot. Even the most liberal justices, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, were skeptical of the claims coming from attorneys for the state.
"The argument is now over. The disqualification advocates may have expected a cold reception, but this was perfectly glacial. Notably, some of the toughest and most skeptical questions came from the left of the Court," George Washington University Law Professor Jonathan Turley posted on X. "Most notable were the questions from Justice Jackson who seemed to push the idea that the president may not have been intended to be one of those covered by the provision."
1. After a sprawling argument that went nearly twice as long as its allotted time, it’s pretty clear that the Supreme Court will leave Donald Trump’s fate to the voters, not state election officials.
— Ilya Shapiro (@ishapiro) February 8, 2024
Now Kentaji Brown Jackson is destroying Colorado's entire argument:
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) February 8, 2024
"They were listing people who were barred [from office under the 14th amendment] and president is not there." pic.twitter.com/UsrvZfpqMD
Justice Elena Kagan also offered pointed questions.
Justice Kagan to Colorado's lawyer: "The question you have to confront is why one state should decide who gets to be president of the United States." pic.twitter.com/wbxTtGFh0P
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) February 8, 2024
Justice Brett Kavanaugh pointed out that in opposition to democracy, Colorado's move disenfranchises voters.
"Your position has the effect of disenfranchising voters to a significant degree," Justice Brett Kavanaugh told respondents regarding their bid to keep former President Donald Trump off Colorado's 2024 primary ballot. pic.twitter.com/eqAthFVpig
— The Federalist (@FDRLST) February 8, 2024
President Trump reacted to the arguments outside of Mar-a-Lago Thursday afternoon.
Fmr Pres. Trump: "In watching the Supreme Court today I thought it was a very beautiful process. I hope that democracy in this country will continue because right now we have a very, very tough situation with all of the radical left ideas with the weaponization of politics..." pic.twitter.com/cFn0Lh7TKk
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 8, 2024