The ruling contrasts with a court decision in Colorado. These different assessments may make it more likely that the Supreme Court will take up the issue.
The Supreme Court of the US state of Michigan has rejected an attempt by opponents of Donald Trump to remove the former US president from the primary election ballot. The court stated that it “is not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this court.”
The ruling stands in stark contrast to a Colorado Supreme Court decision. It ruled last week that Trump was unsuitable for the office of president because of his role in the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021 and therefore could not take part in the primary election.
Trump’s opponents argue with a constitutional amendment
Trump wants to move back into the White House for the Republicans after the 2024 presidential election. His opponents are trying in various states to have Trump’s name removed from presidential election ballots. They argue with a constitutional amendment that excludes people from elections who have incited an “insurrection” against the constitution. So far they have only had success in Colorado.
Unlike Colorado, the case never went to trial in Michigan. Corresponding lawsuits were rejected by lower courts. So there was never a substantive dispute, but rather the question of jurisdiction. The state Supreme Court has now confirmed the dismissal of the lawsuit.
The different assessments from the highest legal authorities in the two states make it more likely that the US Supreme Court will ultimately deal with the question. Trump had announced an appeal against the verdict in Colorado. The Colorado Supreme Court has itself suspended its decision until the issue is finally resolved in the event of an appeal. Trump’s name is likely to be on the ballot for his party’s primary election in the state at the beginning of next year.
