The government watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) took the opportunity of Donald Trump’s newly revealed indictment in New York to once again push the idea of Trump’s disqualification from office, something the group’s Donald Sherman argued in an op-ed is already established because of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and can be confirmed and enacted through court action.
That portion of the nation’s guiding document restricts individuals who essentially betrayed an oath to defend the United States from later serving in government, and the idea is that Trump’s involvement in and encouragement of the Capitol riot and circumstances surrounding it constitute such activity. He continues to show his allegiance to the cause with his consistent support for individuals charged over their participation in the day’s events, something also expressed by his close ally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).
“The Constitution enumerates very few qualifications for serving as president of the United States,” Sherman wrote in his article. “Nothing in the document suggests that being under indictment or a convicted felon is by itself disqualifying. Given Trump’s escalating criminal exposure, it is not surprising this question has been raised. But we cannot ignore the legal reality that Trump’s responsibility for an insurrection against the United States means that he is disqualified from serving as president. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment is a clear mechanism to avoid the inevitable chaos that would ensue if he is nominated or elected as president while on trial for or convicted of criminal conduct.”
He is set to be arraigned in his criminal case on Tuesday. Around that point, the specific charges of which he has been accused will be made available, although reports have already indicated the criminal case he is facing in Manhattan includes dozens of allegations related to falsifying business records in tandem with hush money secretly provided to Stormy Daniels back before the 2016 presidential race. He has pushed for action from his supporters on his behalf, although that hasn’t materialized to any particularly large extent — so far. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) was planning to show up in New York City on Tuesday for a protest, leading in part to remarks on Monday from New York City Mayor Eric Adams about how arrests were possible.
“While there may be some rabble-rousers thinking about coming to our city tomorrow, our message is clear and simple,” Adams told an apparent press conference. “Control yourselves. New York City is our home, not a playground for your misplaced anger. We are the safest large city in America because we respect the rule of law in New York City. And although we have no specific threats, people like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is known to spread misinformation and hate speech, she stated she’s coming to town. While you’re in town, be on your best behavior. As always, we will not allow violence or vandalism of any kind. And if one is caught participating in any act of violence, they will be arrested and held accountable. No matter who you are.”
Donald Trump is disqualified from running for president.
Not because of yesterday's criminal indictment—there’s nothing in the Constitution saying indictment or felony conviction bars a person from running for office—but because he incited insurrection. https://t.co/BnWa4MsGqn
— Citizens for Ethics (@CREWcrew) March 31, 2023
