Illinois judge removes Trump from state ballot, citing 'insurrectionist ban'

 Cook County Circuit Judge Tracy Porter blocked Trump from the Illinois ballot a month after the Illinois State Elections Board rejected an anti-Trump challenge.

Porter issued the order Wednesday, according to court documents obtained by Fox News, barring the board from removing Trump for violating Section Three of the 14th Amendment, or the "disqualification clause," or "suppressing any vote cast for him." Was requested. "To join the rebellion.

Porter's decision reverses a decision last month by the Illinois Board of Elections to place Trump's name on the primary ballot after a group of Illinois voters accused the former president of involvement in the insurrection.

Trump involved in insurrection should be removed from Illinois primary ballot, argues Republican former judge

However, the order has been put on hold until Friday in case Trump's lawyers appeal to the Illinois Appellate Court, First District or Illinois Supreme Court.

A Trump campaign spokesperson issued a statement to Reuters saying, "This is an unconstitutional decision that we will immediately appeal."

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering for the first time the meaning and reach of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which bars former officials "in rebellion" from again holding public office.

The 14th Amendment, Section 3, of the Constitution states, "No person shall hold any office...under the United States...who shall first be a Member of the Congress, or of the United States." As an officer...having taken the oath to support...the Constitution of the United States, shall engage in rebellion or insurrection against him, or shall give aid or comfort to his enemies."

Trump has never been accused of inciting insurrection.

Nancy Pelosi took to X, formerly Twitter, to share her thoughts on the decision.

"The Supreme Court is putting itself on trial with its decision to hear the former president's blanket immunity claim. It remains to be seen whether the justices will uphold the fundamental American value that no one is above the law – even Not even the former president," Pelosi wrote.

House Democrats file key challenge to state's decision to remove Trump from ballot

The court will decide before the end of June on whether Trump can be prosecuted for election interference, the Associated Press reports.

Illinois is now the third state after Colorado and Maine where Trump was kicked off the ballot.

But those decisions were put on hold pending an appeal of the Colorado case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The primary election is scheduled for March 19.