Former President Donald Trump has been barred from appearing on the Republican presidential primary ballot in Illinois due to his involvement in the US Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. The ruling, issued by Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter, is based on the anti-insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution.
Judge Porter’s decision has been stayed, pending an expected appeal by Trump. Similar challenges in Colorado and Maine have also resulted in Trump being removed from their ballots under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who have engaged in insurrection from holding public office.
Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s election victory. Trump, who gave a fiery speech to his supporters before the attack, has faced criticism for not intervening to stop the violence.
The US Supreme Court is expected to weigh in on the issue, with arguments related to Trump’s ballot eligibility being heard on February 8. Trump’s campaign has vowed to appeal the decision, calling it unconstitutional.