As the 2024 balloting deadlines approach, the question of Donald Trump's eligibility to be on the presidential ballot is looming. Efforts to bar him from holding office under the 14th Amendment are gaining momentum in separate court cases in Minnesota and Colorado. The cases argue that Trump's actions and rhetoric following the 2020 election, including his support for the Capitol insurrection, constitute treason and disqualify him from public office. While some may consider the idea of barring Trump from the ballot as outlandish, legal experts point to the clear language of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States from holding office.

The trials in Minnesota and Colorado will ultimately determine whether Trump's actions can be considered insurrection or rebellion. Supporters of the efforts argue that it is necessary to prevent a threat to democracy, while Trump's defenders reject the analysis and maintain that he should be allowed to run for office again. As these cases progress and different state courts reach different conclusions, it is increasingly likely that the U.S. Supreme Court will have to resolve the issue. The court's decision could have significant implications for Trump's political future and the stability of the American democracy.