Categories: Politics

Ramaswamy urges Supreme Court to overturn Colorado decision, files amicus brief in support of Trump

Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has filed an amicus brief at the Supreme Court in support of former President Donald Trump’s efforts to remain on state ballots.

“President Trump’s political opponents have sought to disqualify him from the ballot in multiple states because they fear they cannot beat him in a free and fair election,” Ramaswamy noted in the filing. “Needless to say, the distress of competing against a formidable opponent cannot justify disqualification under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment. The consequences of affirming the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision will extend far beyond the dispute over President Trump’s eligibility.”

“Specifically, this Court’s blessing of the state supreme court’s interpretation of Section 3 will warp incentives for state decision-makers and voters alike,” Ramaswamy added in the filing. “For secretaries of state and state supreme court justices, the path to national notoriety will be illuminated: To enhance your credibility among copartisans, simply concoct a reason to declare a disfavored presidential candidate of the opposing party ineligible to run for office.”

TRUMP BACKED BY 27 STATES IN SUPREME COURT FIGHT, WHO WARN OF 2024 ‘CHAOS’ IF HE’S REMOVED FROM BALLOT

Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy filed an amicus brief at the Supreme Court on Thursday in support of former President Donald Trump’s efforts to remain on state ballots. (Getty Images)

“For voters, the message will be equally clear: Scour the records of disfavored candidates for speeches containing martial rhetoric, or even policies that had unintended consequences, and then file challenges under Section 3. The number of Section 3 complaints will proliferate, as will the number of divergent outcomes.”

The amicus brief was filed Thursday as the Supreme Court gears up to hear arguments on whether Trump should remain on the Colorado Republican presidential primary ballot. The justices said they will hear the case on an expedited basis, with arguments on Feb. 8.

The justices issued an administrative stay that orders the Colorado Secretary of State to put the former president’s name on the GOP primary ballot, at least until the case is decided. The high court said that the briefs are due by Jan 31.

Supreme Court Justices posing for an official photo at the Supreme Court. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)

Ramaswamy said Wednesday that he planned to file the amicus brief at the Supreme Court in hopes that it would “overturn Coloarado’s disastrous decision to try to keep Donald Trump off the ballot.”

SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE IF TRUMP BANNED FROM COLORADO BALLOT IN HISTORIC CASE

In the clip announcing the filing, Ramaswamy said the court should overturn Colorado’s decision because it’s “the right thing to do for this country.”

“I feel a sense of obligation to do that as somebody who understands the constitution,” he said. “It’s my belief that every other Republican, myself included, needs to withdraw from any ballot that forcibly withdraws Donald Trump from the primary.”

The Colorado Supreme Court decision was the first time in history that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment was used to bar a presidential contender from the ballot. 

The state’s highest court concluded that Trump “engaged in insurrection” over his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, protests at the U.S. Capitol.

The Colorado Supreme Court decision was the first time in history that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment was used to bar a presidential contender, Trump in this instance, from the ballot. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The historical hearing will consider the meaning of the 14th Amendment, which bars people who “engaged in insurrection” from holding public office. 

The amendment was adopted in 1868, following the Civil War.

Fox News’ Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.

Share

Recent Posts

Convicted cardinal announces he won’t be part of conclave to choose Pope Francis’ successor

close Video Cardinals from 70 countries heading to Vatican for papal conclave Fox News contributor…

2 hours ago

Millionaires could see rate hike in Trump agenda bill, House GOP tax writer says

EXCLUSIVE: Congressional Republicans are working on a multitrillion-dollar bill advancing President Donald Trump's agenda –…

2 hours ago

Stefanik undercuts Speaker Johnson in stunning public House GOP spat

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., appeared to accuse Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., of lying about discussing…

2 hours ago

Cory Booker delivers animated speech for pro-LGBT Equality Act, claiming Trump is targeting transgender people

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., accused President Donald Trump's administration of targeting the transgender community on…

2 hours ago

Trump buries Biden foreign policy in first 100 days

One hundred days into his new administration, President Donald Trump has reset negotiations with allies…

2 hours ago

Potential 2028 hopeful accused of ‘inciting violence’ after call for ‘mass protests’ against Trump

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, D-Ill., reignited speculation about his 2028 presidential ambitions this weekend, but his…

2 hours ago