The Minnesota Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit brought by residents of the state asking former President Donald Trump be barred from from the state’s primary election ballot. The petitioners argued the 14th Amendment’s ‘insurrection clause’ constitutionally bars the former Republican President from holding office. The crux of the lawsuit revolved around the petitioners claim that Trump’s attempt to challenge the 2020 presidential election results was tantamount to engaging in insurrection against the United States.
Former President Trump celebrated the legal victory, posting on Truth Social: “Ridiculous 14th Amendment lawsuit just thrown out by Minnesota Supreme Court. ‘Without Merit, Unconstitutional.’ Congratulations to all who fought this HOAX!”
Justices on the state court didn’t go as far as Trump’s legal team would have liked in their ruling, leaving the door open to renewed challenges as to his eligibility for the 2024 general election ballot. According to the court’s ruling: “There is no state statute that prohibits a major political party from placing on the presidential nomination primary ballot, or sending delegates to the national convention supporting, a candidate who is ineligible to hold office.”
A similar constitutional challenge to Trump’s presidential candidacy was filed in Colorado by petitioners backed by George Soros funded group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Legal proceedings in the Colorado court concluded this past Monday and a ruling is expected around Thanksgiving.