The Michigan Supreme Court has rejected an attempt to remove Donald Trump from the state’s primary ballot, dismissing claims under the 14th Amendment related to his alleged role in the Capitol riot.
This decision comes amid a series of efforts to prevent Trump from appearing on ballots in multiple states. The 14th Amendment prohibits officials who engaged in insurrection from holding future office.
This rejection by Michigan’s high court was expressed in a brief ruling, stating it was “not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this court” ahead of the state’s February 27 presidential primary.
Last week, Colorado’s Supreme Court removed Trump from its primary ballot over his alleged role in the Capitol riot, pending a potential appeal to the US Supreme Court.
Trump, 77, praised the Michigan decision, labeling it a “Desperate Democrat attempt” to undermine his candidacy for another White House term.
He voiced this sentiment on Truth Social, his social media platform. Colorado’s highest court issued a stay until January 4, awaiting a potential appeal to the US Supreme Court, potentially making the determination on Trump’s eligibility binding nationwide.
The Michigan lawsuit was initiated in September by Free Speech For People, a pro-democracy advocacy group, and was dismissed on procedural grounds by lower courts.
The group expressed disappointment but affirmed its commitment to upholding constitutional provisions. Justice Elizabeth Welch of the Michigan Supreme Court acknowledged the Colorado decision but highlighted differences in election law.
Simultaneously, challenges to Trump’s eligibility for the March 5 primary in Maine are being considered by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.
Trump’s legal team has called for Bellows to recuse herself, alleging bias as a Democrat partisan and Biden supporter.
The dynamics of the case are significant, given the elected, political nature of the secretary of state position in Maine and 34 other US states.
