A state judge in Illinois has ruled that former President Donald Trump cannot appear on the state’s primary ballot. The ruling was made on Wednesday, but the judge has put her decision on hold pending a Supreme Court decision in a similar case. This decision comes as Trump and his allies continue to challenge his exclusion from ballots in various states across the country.
The ruling in Illinois stems from a challenge to Trump’s nominating petitions, which were filed by a group of voters who argued that Trump was ineligible to run for office due to his role in the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol. The judge agreed with the plaintiffs, stating that Trump’s actions on January 6th were “not protected speech” and constituted a “clear and present danger to the orderly administration of the election.”
Despite the ruling, Trump’s legal team has vowed to appeal the decision and continue fighting to have him included on the ballot. They argue that Trump’s exclusion violates his First Amendment rights and sets a dangerous precedent for future elections. The case is expected to be fast-tracked to the Illinois Supreme Court, where a final decision will be made on whether Trump can appear on the primary ballot.
This ruling in Illinois is just the latest in a series of legal battles Trump has faced over his eligibility to run for office. Several other states, including Georgia and Michigan, have also excluded Trump from their ballots, citing his role in the Capitol insurrection as grounds for disqualification. Trump has continued to claim that the election was stolen from him and has vowed to run for president again in 2024.
The outcome of this case in Illinois could have far-reaching implications for Trump’s political future and the broader debate over who is eligible to run for public office. If the Supreme Court upholds the lower court’s ruling, it could set a precedent for other states to exclude Trump from their ballots, effectively ending his chances of running for president again. However, if the ruling is overturned, it could embolden Trump and his supporters to continue challenging his exclusion from future elections.
Overall, the ruling in Illinois represents a significant setback for Trump’s political ambitions and highlights the ongoing legal challenges he faces as he seeks to re-enter the world of politics. The decision to put the ruling on hold pending a Supreme Court decision adds another layer of uncertainty to the situation, leaving both sides in limbo as they await a final resolution. Ultimately, the outcome of this case could shape the future of Trump’s political career and have lasting implications for the broader debate over who is fit to hold public office.
