In a significant development, the Colorado Supreme Court has issued a ruling on Tuesday, stating that former President Donald Trump will be barred from appearing on the state's ballots for the 2024 presidential election. The decision comes as a result of Trump's alleged incitement of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which ultimately led to his disqualification from the upcoming election.

The ruling by the state Supreme Court overturns a previous lower court decision and marks the first instance where Trump has been disqualified on the grounds of trying to obstruct the 2020 electoral victory of President Joe Biden. However, it is important to note that the Colorado Supreme Court has stayed its ruling, which means it will not take effect until January 4, 2024, pending further appellate proceedings.

Immediately following the announcement, the Trump campaign expressed its intention to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, aiming to have the decision overturned. The campaign's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized the Colorado Supreme Court's ruling, claiming it was influenced by a "Soros-funded, left-wing group's scheme to interfere in an election on behalf of Crooked Joe Biden." Cheung further called the decision "completely flawed" and expressed confidence that the U.S. Supreme Court would rule in their favor.

The Colorado Supreme Court's decision is historically significant as it marks the first time a state court has asserted that Trump, who remains the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, should be disqualified on the basis of the Fourteenth Amendment's Section Three. This constitutional provision prohibits individuals who have engaged in "insurrection" from holding federal office.

The ruling states, "A majority of the court holds that President Trump is disqualified from holding the office of President under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Because he is disqualified, it would be a wrongful act under the Election Code for the Colorado Secretary of State to list him as a candidate on the presidential primary ballot."

If this ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court is upheld, it would mean that Trump will be unable to contest for Colorado's ten electoral votes in the Electoral College, which ultimately determines the U.S. presidency every four years.

This legal battle has wider implications beyond Colorado, as similar lawsuits questioning Trump's eligibility for the presidential ballot continue to be litigated in other states such as Minnesota and Michigan. While the courts in those states have rejected such suits, the issue remains contentious and subject to ongoing legal proceedings.

The case in Colorado originated from a lawsuit filed by six voters, who sought to prevent Trump's presence on the state's ballots for the 2024 election, citing his alleged violation of the constitutional provision outlined in Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment. This section declares that "no person" who has previously taken an oath of federal office and has "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" against the U.S. can hold office.

The Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, disrupted the certification of President Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election. It involved Trump supporters storming the Capitol building, following Trump's pressure on his vice president, Mike Pence, to refuse accepting the Electoral College results favoring Biden.

Denver District Court Judge Sarah Wallace initially ruled that Trump could appear on the ballot despite acknowledging his alleged engagement in insurrection. Wallace held the view that the office of the president is not subject to Section Three. However, Wallace's ruling was appealed by the plaintiffs and Trump himself, who contested the insurrection claim made against him.

As this news unfolds, the eyes of the nation will be on the further legal proceedings and the ultimate decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, which will heavily impact Trump's eligibility for the 2024 presidential election, not only in Colorado but potentially across the entire United States.