Biden: Yes, Trump 'Supported an Insurrection'

But president says he'll let courts decide if the 14th Amendment applies
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 20, 2023 12:08 PM CST
Biden: Yes, Trump 'Supported an Insurrection'
President Biden speaks to the media as he arrives at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, in Milwaukee.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Biden says it's clear to him that his predecessor is an insurrectionist, but he declined to weigh in on whether that should keep Donald Trump off the ballot. Addressing reporters after arriving in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Biden initially said he would not comment on Tuesday's decision by the Colorado Supreme Court to keep Trump off the 2024 ballot in that state. However, the president elaborated on the subject when a reporter asked, "Is he an insurrectionist?" per the New York Post.

  • "Well, I think that certainly is self-evident," Biden answered. "You saw it all. Now whether the 14th Amendment applies, I'll let the court make that decision. But he certainly supported an insurrection. There's no question about it. None. Zero. And he seems to be doubling down on it."

The Colorado court ruled that Trump is ineligible to be on the ballot because he engaged in insurrection in regard to the 2021 Capitol riot and thus is disqualified under a clause in the 14th Amendment. Trump did not "merely incite the insurrection," says the decision, per CNN, but "he continued to support it by repeatedly demanding that Vice President (Mike) Pence refuse to perform his constitutional duty and by calling Senators to persuade them to stop the counting of electoral votes." The case is expected to wind up in front of the Supreme Court quickly, and many court observers predict the Colorado ruling will be reversed. (More President Biden stories.)

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