Jamiesfeast – In a surprising turn of events, the former president appeared to acknowledge his connection to the January 6 insurrection. However, he made it clear that he was not acting in an official capacity as a representative of the United States.
The Supreme Court is currently set to hear arguments that could potentially lead to the banning of Donald Trump from the presidential ballot in Colorado. There are claims, yet to be proven, that allege Trump’s involvement in an insurrection against the United States government on January 6, 2021, which would be a direct violation of the nation’s 14th Amendment.
According to Trump’s legal team, they argue that the specific wording of the Amendment should not be applicable to the former president because he did not hold the official title of an “officer” of the United States during his time in the oval office. This defense is quite intriguing, as it not only implies that the 14th Amendment does not pertain to the twice-impeached former POTUS, but also avoids addressing his involvement in the violent protest. If Trump’s lawyers are genuinely asserting that he is not guilty based on the premise that he was not an officer and therefore his actions were justified, it implies an implicit acknowledgment of guilt, affirming that his actions indeed led to the occurrence of the insurrection.
The Amendment explicitly prohibits any officer of the United States who has actively participated in insurrection or rebellion from running for or holding office again. In Colorado, the Supreme Court has already banned Trump from running based on these grounds. However, Trump and his legal team have been diligently working to overturn the ban before the conclusion of the 2024 presidential elections.
According to Trump’s legal team, they argue that the language used in the 14th Amendment specifically refers to individuals who are “appointed” by the Electoral College, unlike the president who is elected. A spokesperson for the legal team stated that elected officials, such as House and Senate members, cannot be considered as “officers of the United States” under the “otherwise provided for” exception since they are elected rather than appointed. The Constitution consistently describes the President as elected, not appointed, and therefore cannot be classified as an “officer of the United States” for the same reason.