US Supreme Court Criticized Over Trump Ruling, Renowned Historian Asserts

In a decision that has sparked widespread debate and scrutiny, the US Supreme Court has come under heavy criticism from prominent historian Allan Lichtman for its ruling regarding the attempt to remove Donald Trump from the Colorado ballot. Lichtman, renowned for his accurate predictions of US presidential elections since 1984, expressed strong disagreement with the court’s decision.

The ruling, issued unanimously by the Supreme Court on Monday, deemed Colorado’s efforts to disqualify Trump from the ballot for his alleged role in inciting the January 6 insurrection as erroneous. This decision arrived just a day before Colorado joined 16 other states and a US territory in conducting a Super Tuesday primary.

Speaking to reporters alongside three other historians who supported the move to remove Trump, Lichtman emphasized the gravity of the court’s error. He argued that the Supreme Court’s interpretation, suggesting that only Congress can disqualify a candidate for federal office, was flawed. Lichtman, a professor at American University, emphasized the historical precedent and the intent behind the 14th Amendment, which was designed to bar individuals engaged in insurrection from holding public office, including the presidency.

The case raised significant constitutional questions, drawing attention from legal experts, historians, and political analysts. Lichtman and his fellow historians contended that Trump’s disqualification was justified under Section Three of the 14th Amendment, enacted in 1868 to prevent former Confederates from holding office.

However, the Supreme Court’s ruling rejected this argument, asserting that it is within Congress’s purview to enact disqualification procedures for federal offices. This decision has potentially far-reaching implications for future cases involving attempts to disqualify individuals from federal office on similar grounds.

Lichtman underscored the importance of historical context in understanding the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision. He pointed out that none of the thousands of ex-Confederates disqualified under the 14th Amendment were subject to disqualification by an act of Congress. This historical precedent, Lichtman argued, supports the notion that disqualification under the 14th Amendment is automatic and does not require additional congressional action.

Despite the setback in Colorado, Lichtman identified some positive aspects of the ruling. He noted that the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s argument that the presidency was exempt from Section Three of the 14th Amendment and affirmed that the provision applies indefinitely.

Moreover, Lichtman highlighted the ruling’s potential deterrent effect on future insurrectionists. By affirming that states retain the power to disqualify individuals from running for state offices and indicating that federal disqualification can be enacted by Congress, the ruling sends a strong message that there are consequences for engaging in acts of insurrection.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Colorado ballot case has sparked intense debate and raised important questions about the interpretation of the 14th Amendment and the authority of states versus the federal government in matters of disqualification for public office. As the legal and political ramifications continue to unfold, historians like Allan Lichtman play a crucial role in providing context and analysis to help navigate these complex issues.

Author: DA