Second US State Bans Trump From Primary Ballot

Following a decision from Colorado, Maine has also ruled that the former president does not meet the requirements to take part in the presidential primaries.

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Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a rally in Reno, Nevada, U.S. December 17, 2023. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo

On Thursday Maine decided to exclude Donald Trump from the state’s ballot in the upcoming U.S. presidential primary election, marking the second state to do so due to the former president’s involvement in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol.

The state’s Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, determined that Trump, who is currently leading as the Republican presidential nominee, had played a role in inciting an insurrection.

This conclusion was drawn from Trump’s dissemination of false claims regarding voter fraud in the 2020 election, coupled with his encouragement for supporters to march on the Capitol with the intent of preventing the certification of the vote by lawmakers.

In a 34-page ruling, Bellows emphasized, “The U.S. Constitution does not tolerate an assault on the foundations of our government.”

The ruling is subject to appeal in a state Superior Court, with Bellows deciding to withhold the implementation of her decision until the court makes its ruling.

Reacting to the decision, Trump’s campaign expressed intent to promptly lodge an objection, labeling the ruling as “atrocious.”

Trump’s legal representatives have contested he engaged in insurrection, arguing that his statements to supporters during the 2021 riot were protected by his constitutional right to free speech.