Editor’s note: The headline of this story was updated to make clearer that Thursday’s Supreme Court hearing is regarding Donald Trump’s ballot eligibility.
Former President Donald Trump was removed from the ballot in the state of Colorado in a move that could have an impact on other state ballots and the 2024 presidential election.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court begins hearing arguments in the case for and against Trump being on the ballot.
What Happened: In a potential landmark ruling, the Colorado Supreme Court removed Trump from the state's 2024 election ballot, citing his violation of insurrection, which is a provision in the 14th Amendment.
At the time of the decision, an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was widely expected.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the ballot case, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Supreme Court will be tasked with deciding if the insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment should keep Trump from the ballot and potentially from becoming president of the U.S. again.
The case to keep Trump on or off the ballot centers on the events of Jan. 6, 2021, which saw an attack on the U.S. Capitol. The attack happened in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the 2020 election results, which saw Joe Biden win the presidency.
The wording of the 14th Amendment includes barring people from public office if they "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" against the U.S. or provided "aid and comfort" to enemies of the country.
The insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment was added to the U.S. Constitution in relation to the Civil War and to keep former Confederates from holding future public office.
Political experts and lawmakers have argued whether the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol was an insurrection and if Trump encouraged the events. Ultimately, the Supreme Court will now be tasked with deciding what the event was and Trump's role.
Trump's lawyers have argued that the former president encouraged "peaceful" protests and did not tell his supporters "to enter the Capitol."
Related Link: EXCLUSIVE: Voters Want A Biden-Haley Ticket Vs. Biden-Harris: 1 Presidential Pair Is Likely To Win 2024 Election
Why It's Important: The ruling in Colorado came as other states had challenged Trump's placement on the ballot. The state of Maine also removed Trump from the election ballot and is awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court.
Several other states also have pending cases that would likely be impacted by the Supreme Court's ruling, which could put decisions on Trump being on the ballot in the hands of the states.
The Colorado Republican primary is set for March 5.
Trump currently holds a commanding lead over Nikki Haley in the race to secure the GOP nomination for president in the 2024 election. Trump is also leading President Joe Biden in most hypothetical head-to-head matchups for the 2024 presidential election.
A decision from the Supreme Court to keep Trump off the Colorado ballot and potentially other states could have a large impact on the 2024 primary election for the GOP nomination and the 2024 presidential election.
Shares of Digital World Acquisition DWAC, which is merging with Trump Media & Technology Group, are often volatile around the legal proceedings involving Trump. Shares of the SPAC will likely be heavily watched during the Supreme Court case.
DWAC Price Action: Digital World Acquisition shares are trading up 1.41% at $46.26 Thursday versus a 52-week trading range of $12.34 to $58.72.
Photos: Shutterstock
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