Minnesota Supreme Court Dismisses Lawsuit Seeking to Bar Trump from 2024 Ballot

The Minnesota Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to bar former President Donald Trump from the 2024 primary ballot under a constitutional provision that forbids those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office.

The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit seeking to bar former President Donald Trump from the 2024 primary ballot under a constitutional provision that forbids those who "engaged in insurrection” from holding office. The state’s high court declined to become the first in history to use Section Three of the 14th Amendment to prevent someone from running for the presidency.

Background of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit was filed by a group of Minnesota voters who argued that Trump should be disqualified from running for president because he "engaged in insurrection” by inciting the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The plaintiffs contend that Section Three is simply another qualification for the presidency, just like the Constitution’s requirement that a president be at least 35 years old.

Arguments Against the Lawsuit

Trump’s attorneys argued that Section Three has no power without Congress laying out the criteria and procedures for applying it, that the Jan. 6 attack doesn’t meet the definition of insurrection, and that the former president was simply using his free speech rights. They also argued that the clause doesn’t apply to the office of the presidency, which is not mentioned in the text.

Implications of the Ruling

The Minnesota Supreme Court’s decision is a setback for those who believe that Trump should be held accountable for his role in the January 6 attack. However, the court’s ruling also leaves open the possibility that plaintiffs could try again to knock Trump off the general election ballot in November. Parallel cases are being heard in other states, including Colorado, where a state judge has scheduled closing arguments for next week.

The Minnesota Supreme Court’s decision is a significant ruling that could have implications for the 2024 presidential election. The court’s decision suggests that it will be difficult to use Section Three of the 14th Amendment to bar Trump from running for president. However, the court’s ruling also leaves open the possibility that plaintiffs could try again to knock Trump off the general election ballot in November. The outcome of these cases could have a significant impact on the future of American democracy.