President Joe Biden asserted on Wednesday that there is "no question" about his predecessor Donald Trump's support for an insurrection. However, he emphasized that it is within the purview of the courts to determine whether this support disqualifies Trump from seeking the presidency again. During a visit to Wisconsin, Biden addressed reporters, stating, "It's self-evident. You saw it all. Whether the 14th Amendment applies or not, we'll let the court make that decision." He continued, "But he certainly supported an insurrection. There's no question about it. None. Zero. And he seems to be doubling down on it."
Biden's remarks were prompted by the Colorado Supreme Court's recent ruling, announced on Tuesday, which rendered Trump ineligible to serve as U.S. president. The court held that Trump cannot appear on the primary ballot in Colorado due to his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. This historic 4-3 decision, likely to be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court, marks Trump as the first presidential candidate disqualified under the rarely invoked 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment restricts officials engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" from holding office.
Expressing his intention to challenge the ruling, Trump vowed to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. In response to the court's decision, the Trump campaign criticized it as "undemocratic." A campaign spokesperson stated, "The Colorado Supreme Court issued a completely flawed decision tonight, and we will swiftly file an appeal to the United States Supreme Court." The Colorado court, acknowledging Trump's appeal, opted to delay the decision's effect until at least January 4, 2024, to accommodate the appeal process.
