Upholding Democracy: January 6, Colorado, and Trump

In December 2023, Colorado decided to ban former President Donald Trump from primary election ballots due to his role in the disturbing events that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The decision was later overturned in March 2024, when the Supreme Court unanimously decided to restore Trump to 2024 presidential primary ballots, rejecting Colorado and other states’ attempts to remove him from the ballot. Although the move has since been reversed, the Colorado court’s decision continues to fuel discussions about the balance between accountability and democratic norms in the United States, especially in the context of former leaders seeking political office. While some view Colorado’s decision as a controversial breach of democratic norms, it is crucial to consider the justifications behind Colorado’s decision, which stem from a commitment to preserving the integrity of the democratic process. 

First and foremost, the decision to ban Trump is based on the disturbing events that occurred on January 6, 2021. On that day, the Capitol was besieged by a violent mob, a stark manifestation of the impact of divisive rhetoric and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions. Colorado officials say Trump’s role in fomenting the uprising calls for closer scrutiny of his future involvement in the election. By taking this stance, Colorado shows its determination to protect the very foundations of democracy from the threat of political violence.   

Colorado’s move is not an isolated decision but a reflection of a broader societal demand for accountability in public life. In democracies, the power of elected officials carries with it an implicit expectation that they will act in the public interest. The events of January 6th reflect a gross violation of this trust, and the Colorado decision represents a preliminary step toward rebuilding that trust by signaling that actions have consequences for even the highest officeholders. And, per recent polls, this trust seems to be improving. As The Hill published, more than half of Americans approved the decision. 

When public trust breaks down, as we saw on January 6th, it is important to restore confidence in the democratic process. The Colorado decision is a beacon of reassurance to citizens across the country, showing that accountability is a tangible expectation, regardless of one’s political status. Moreover, the decision is a recognition of the potential harm posed by a candidate with a history of disregarding democratic norms. While political views are inherently diverse, there is a consensus that any candidate must adhere to a set of basic principles that protect the democratic process. By removing Trump from the ballot, Colorado’s goal was to prevent the normalization of practices contrary to these principles. Colorado is also not the only state demanding accountability from Trump. Shenna Bellows, Maine’s Secretary of State, disqualified Trump from the state’s Republican primary ballot. 

 Critics say such decisions set a dangerous precedent for excluding politicians based on subjective interpretations of their behavior. Others claim it’s illegal. But the unprecedented attack on the Capitol on January 6th set the issue apart from routine political wrangling. For example, supporters of the resolution cite that the U.S. Constitution clearly prohibits the office of presidents who violate their oath of office. The Colorado decision can be seen as a targeted response to specific circumstances rather than one that opens the door to arbitrary exclusion based on political ideologies.  

 Colorado’s decision to ban Donald Trump from running in the state is based on a sincere commitment to democratic principles. While the decision may be controversial, it forces us to confront the broader question of how to keep elected officials accountable and protect the interests of our democratic institutions. Colorado’s decision, though overturned, is a warning to future candidates, urging them to consider the consequences of their actions on our democracy.