The 14th Amendment includes a clause prohibiting those who engaged in insurrection against the U.S. from holding elected office.
Various state courts and election officials have issued rulings on Trump's eligibility, with diverse outcomes.
Colorado's Supreme Court and Maine's secretary of state ruled Trump ineligible, but these decisions are currently paused.
This clause was adopted post-Civil War to prevent Confederate leaders from regaining power.
In 2022, a New Mexico county commissioner was removed from office under this clause.
Trump argues that his actions don't constitute insurrection and claims First Amendment rights.
Legal opinions vary on whether a criminal conviction of insurrection is necessary for disqualification.
Groups like CREW and individuals like John Anthony Castro are key in litigating against Trump's eligibility.
The Supreme Court may be the final arbiter given the mixed rulings at state levels.
The Supreme Court's involvement is expected, as a state-by-state decision is almost certainly impractical.