Can Trump Be Barred? Battle to Ban Trump: Intense Effort to Exclude Donald Trump from Minnesota Ballot Following Capitol Riot Role

Gabriel RomanNov 12, 2023

Minute Read

In Minnesota, a significant movement is underway. A group called “Free Speech for People” has approached the Minnesota Supreme Court with a big request. They want former President Donald Trump off Minnesota’s 2024 presidential and general election ballot. Here’s everything they called for and some of the reactions to it.

The Basis of the Petition

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The group “Free Speech for People” insists that Donald Trump’s involvement in the January 6th events at the US Capitol conflicts with the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This particular Amendment sets guidelines for public office eligibility. The group argues that Trump’s actions make him unfit under these rules. They believe his role on that day violated the principles he had sworn to uphold.

Understanding the Fourteenth Amendment

The Fourteenth Amendment clearly states that anyone who has pledged to uphold the Constitution but then acts in rebellion against the U.S. is disqualified from office. This constitutional clause is central to the group’s petition. They assert that Trump’s actions are an example of such a violation, making him ineligible for future public office positions.

The Petition’s Strong Claim

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The petition claims that Trump went against his oath to support the Constitution by engaging in insurrection. This accusation could bar him from the presidency or any other federal office. The only way to excuse this would be for Congress to specifically grant him relief. This bold claim forms the heart of their argument to disqualify Trump from future elections.

Support from Notable Figures

The petition has gained support from several important people. University of Minnesota law professor David Fisher, former Steele County Republican Party co-chair David Thul, and ex-St. Paul Deputy Mayor Thomas Welna are among those who have lent their names. Their involvement shows the petition’s broad appeal and serious nature.

Disagreements Over the Term “Insurrection”

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There’s a significant debate about whether Trump’s actions qualify as an “insurrection.” Some critics argue that the former president’s conduct doesn’t meet the constitutional definition of insurrection, while others claim that it does. This disagreement indicates the complex legal interpretations involved in the petition.

A Wider Movement Beyond Minnesota

The attempt to disqualify Trump isn’t confined to Minnesota. A similar legal challenge is underway in Colorado, citing reasons like those in Minnesota. They argue that Trump’s role in the January 6th events disqualifies him under the 14th Amendment. Clearly, this campaign against Trump is a growing national movement.

The Role of the Secretary of State

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Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon has acknowledged the high volume of inquiries about Trump’s eligibility. However, he clarifies that this matter falls within the judiciary’s interests, not his office. It appears there are many procedural boundaries surrounding the petition that must be solved first.

Trump’s Legal Challenges

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Former President Trump is grappling with various legal issues spanning several issues. These range from attempts to influence election outcomes to allegations of falsifying business records and mishandling classified documents. This breadth of legal challenges marks a rough period for Trump.

Four Felony Counts in Washington, D.C

In the nation’s capital, Trump faces four felony charges. These are directly linked to his attempts to change the 2020 election results. These serious allegations highlight the gravity of the legal challenges he faces. In particular, these cases relate to his conduct surrounding the election, or lack thereof, according to some critics.

The January 6 Riot and its Aftermath

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The charges against Trump stem from the events of January 6th, when his supporters breached the Capitol. This incident, which prevented the usual peaceful transfer of power, is a pivotal element in the legal cases against him. It forms a critical part of the narrative and questions surrounding his post-presidential period.

Federal Charges Against Trump

Federal prosecutors have brought charges against Trump concerning his alleged attempts to obstruct the peaceful transition of power to Joe Biden. These federal charges add another layer to the complex legal situation Trump is currently navigating. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that Trump has many problems to deal with.

Trump’s Efforts to Delay Trials

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Currently, Trump is actively seeking to delay his impending trials. Some claim this is because he does not want them to affect his presidential campaign. These legal maneuvers are significant. They suggest that there is a strategic approach to his legal and political challenges, along with how he is trying to overcome them.

Upcoming Trials During the Campaign

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Trump’s decision to run for president again is quite significant. His criminal trials will coincide with his campaign. This will create a unique and potentially impactful convergence of his legal battles and political aspirations. The outcomes of these trials could significantly influence his presidential bid.

Minnesota’s Election Timeline

For presidential hopefuls like Trump, the clock is ticking in Minnesota. The deadline for inclusion on the primary ballot is January 2nd. Shortly after that, the election process begins. Absentee voting starts on January 19th, setting the stage for what is clearly going to be an eventful and dramatic election cycle.

No Immunity for Trump

The debate is intensifying over Trump’s immunity from being disqualified under the U.S. Constitution. Critics forcefully argue, “US Constitution does not give him the immunity that he cannot be disqualified.” They stress that formal charges or convictions for insurrection or rebellion are not necessary conditions for disqualification.

Due Process and the Right to Run

Some users are stressing the importance of due process under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. They argue, “Trump has not been charged with insurrection or rebellion, let alone convicted of either of them.” This stance hinges on the principle that guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Constitutional Dilemma

Some users argue, “Trump committed treason by telling his followers to go to the capitol and disrupt a government procedure. That is in the constitution that Trump swore to uphold and violated that oath that day.” This view is grounded in a strict interpretation of constitutional law. It highlights the serious consequences of insurrection or rebellion by a public officeholder.

A Divided Opinion

On one side, some believe “he should be removed from the country permanently,” viewing his actions as beyond redemption. In contrast, others see him as having little chance of winning in places like Minnesota, with comments like “he’s our only hope, not like he’d win MN anyways, they only vote for non-Americans.” Another perspective suggests a strategic approach: “Leave him on the ballot and turn out to vote Minnesota! Humiliate him by defeating him at the ballot box!”