In a significant setback for former US President Donald Trump, he has been excluded from the 2024 primary ballot in another state, following the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban.” Maine is now the second state, after the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision earlier this month, to disqualify Trump.

Critics of Trump, pointing to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, view this as enforcing a constitutional provision designed to safeguard the nation from anti-democratic insurrectionists. Maine’s Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, stated in her decision that the events of January 6, 2021, were carried out with the knowledge and support of the outgoing President.

The ruling, a response to challenges by Maine voters, emphasized that the US Constitution does not tolerate an assault on the government’s foundations, and Maine law requires action in such cases. Both Maine and Colorado based their decisions on the 14th Amendment, which prevents individuals engaged in insurrection from holding office.

Bellows, a Democrat, acknowledged the gravity of the decision, noting that no Secretary of State had previously denied a presidential candidate ballot access under Section Three of the 14th Amendment. However, she underscored that no presidential candidate had previously been involved in insurrection.

Trump’s campaign criticized Bellows’ ruling, accusing her of attempting to steal the election and disenfranchise American voters. They labeled her a “virulent leftist” and a “hyper-partisan Biden-supporting Democrat.” The campaign claimed that such election interference was a hostile assault on American democracy, blaming President Joe Biden and Democrats for using government institutions to maintain their hold on power.

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