Former President Donald Trump has filed an appeal to overturn a Democrat judge's decision to remove him from the presidential ballot in Illinois. The appeal comes after Judge Tracie R. Porter of the State Circuit Court in Cook County ruled that the State Board of Elections should remove Trump from the ballot, alleging that he engaged in insurrection on January 6.

According to Axios, Trump's appeal requests the appeals court to "reverse and vacate the judgment." Additionally, Trump's lawyers have filed a separate legal motion, urging the court to block the order to remove him from the ballot until the appeals court has made a ruling, aiming to extend the stay on the decision.

In the legal filing, Trump's lawyers argue that staying the judgment until the Illinois appellate courts make a final decision would minimize the risk of voter confusion and logistical difficulties for election officials. They emphasize the need for a speedy resolution, pointing out that the court's current stay could expire in less than 48 hours.

In response to Trump's filing, Judge Porter has stayed her decision to remove Trump from the ballot as the case continues through the court system. She states that her order will remain on hold until the appeal is fully resolved by the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, the Illinois Supreme Court, and/or the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Trump campaign has strongly criticized Judge Porter's initial ruling, labeling it as election interference. A spokesperson for the Trump Campaign accuses "Soros-funded Democrat front-groups" of attempting to interfere in the election and denying President Trump his rightful place on the ballot. The campaign states that they view the ruling as unconstitutional and will promptly appeal. They assert that Trump remains on the Illinois ballot and is leading in the polls, reaffirming their belief in his ability to "Make America Great Again."

This recent decision in Illinois marks the third state where Trump has been removed from the presidential ballot, following similar actions in Colorado and Maine. The Supreme Court also recently heard arguments regarding Colorado's decision, and a pending decision from the Court is expected to impact Maine's ruling as well. As of now, the former president remains on the ballot in Colorado while awaiting the Supreme Court's decision.