On Wednesday, a judge in Cook County ordered the removal of former President Donald Trump from the Illinois primary ballot. However, the judge also temporarily stayed the ruling until Friday, anticipating an appeal to the Illinois Appellate or Supreme Court.
Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie R. Porter issued the decision, and the primary is scheduled for March 19. Mr. Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, quickly responded, calling the ruling unconstitutional and stating that they would appeal promptly.
The move to disqualify Trump is part of a broader trend across several states, examining his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and whether it constitutes insurrection.
The case revolves around Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, enacted in 1868 to prevent former Confederates from holding office. This provision bars officials engaged in insurrection from serving in government.
The Colorado Supreme Court, in December, used this provision to disqualify Trump from the state’s GOP presidential primary ballot. In January, the Illinois State Board of Elections initially ruled it lacked authority to remove Trump from the ballot. Still, a judge later allowed petitioners to continue their efforts.
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to weigh in soon, with potential implications for Trump’s eligibility in multiple states.
“[The U.S. Supreme Court has] the two big cases right now – on the Colorado case throwing him off the ballot because of the Fourteenth Amendment, and the question of whether or not he has presidential immunity,” Miller stated.
The U.S. Supreme Court has announced its decision to hear arguments on April 22 regarding whether Mr. Trump should be granted immunity from prosecution.
A federal grand jury indicted Mr. Trump for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2020 election, and the U.S. Appeals Court rejected the immunity claim earlier this month.
Miller was questioned about his belief regarding the possibility of the election itself ultimately being decided by the Supreme Court.
“I hope not,” he stated. “I hope it comes down to the people going to the polling place and voting on a fair and legal election.”
But, it remains to be seen how quickly the US Supreme Court would rule following its consideration of the arguments.
“They could hear the case on April 22, and not make a decision until July if that’s what they want to do. They could also make a decision a whole lot quicker,” Miller stated. “Frankly, it’s totally up to the judges.”
