Colorado Supreme Court kicks Trump off ballot

Colorado's Supreme Court has ruled Donald Trump cannot run for president next year in the state, citing a constitutional insurrection clause.

In a decision that upends the White House race, the court ruled 4-3 that Mr Trump is not an eligible candidate, reports BBC.

It is the first time that Section 3 of the US Constitution's 14th Amendment has been used to disqualify a presidential candidate.

Several attempts to kick Mr Trump off the ballot in other states have failed.

Tuesday's decision - which has been placed on hold pending appeal until next month - does not apply to states outside Colorado.

The top court wrote in its ruling: "We do not reach these conclusions lightly. We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us.

"We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach."

The decision reverses an earlier one from a Colorado judge, who ruled that the 14th Amendment's insurrection ban did not apply to presidents because the section does not explicitly name them.

That same lower court judge also found that Mr Trump had participated in an insurrection on the day of the US Capitol riot in 2021. Supporters of the former president stormed Congress on that day while lawmakers were certifying President Joe Biden's election victory.

The Colorado Supreme Court's decision does not go into effect until at least 4 January 2024. That is the eve of the deadline for the state to print its presidential primary ballots._Agencies.