Colorado Official Rips Judge's Trump Ruling: 'Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card'
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold is facing backlash after she declared Saturday that a judge's ruling allowing Donald Trump to remain on the state's 2024 primary ballot was a "get-out-of-jail-free card."
District Judge Sarah B. Wallace ruled on Friday that the former president could stay on the ballot, but confusingly stated that he had engaged in insurrection against the Constitution. Griswold, called the decision "incredibly surprising" and criticized the notion that the presidency is a "get-out-of-jail-free card" for insurrection.
Griswold's remarks came during an interview with MSNBC host Ali Velshi, where she also expressed concern about the prospect of Trump becoming president again. She reiterated her concerns in a phone call with several other news outlets, stating that the ruling was a "clear warning of the danger of Donald Trump to American democracy."
The lawsuit against Trump was brought by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a progressive government watchdog group. The group's president, Noah Bookbinder, said they plan to file an appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court.
"The court did not order him removed from the ballot, however, finding that the president is not an officer of the United States and so not subject to the 14th amendment's disqualification clause," Bookbinder wrote on Twitter. "We will be filing an appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court shortly."
Griswold also believes that the case will continue to play out, and she will follow the court's decision to certify the ballot on January 5th.
Meanwhile, the Trump campaign is celebrating the dismissal of the ballot challenge, calling it a "nail in the coffin" of the "un-American" challenges.
Similar challenges in other states, such as Michigan, have also been denied. Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, accused Democrats of "cynical and blatant political attempts" to interfere with the presidential election.
Meanwhile, Trump himself faces legal challenges for his role in the January 6th Capitol riot. He was indicted in August by the Department of Justice on four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States. However, he maintains his innocence and has pled not guilty to all charges.
READ MORE:
COLORADO JUDGE KEEPS TRUMP ON BALLOT, REJECTING 14TH AMENDMENT ARGUMENT
COLORADO JUDGE IN TRUMP CASE REFUSES TO RECUSE AMID CRITICISM
HISTORIC EFFORT TO KEEP TRUMP OFF THE BALLOT BEGINS IN DENVER
As for Griswold's controversial comments, critics argue that as a Secretary of State, she should not be taking partisan stances on legal matters. They also accuse her of attempting to undermine the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, where Trump lost to Joe Biden.
Griswold's comments highlight the ongoing divide in American politics and the continued fallout from the 2020 election. While the legal battles may continue, it is ultimately up to the American people to decide who they want as their president. And regardless of personal opinions – especially of electeds -- it is important to uphold the principles of fair and free elections.