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Republican presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson asserted on Sunday that the actions of former President Trump on January 6th likely contravened the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, thereby rendering him ineligible to assume the nation’s highest office in the future.
According to The Hill, Hutchinson, among the select group of Republicans openly critical of Trump, declared his participation in the upcoming GOP presidential primary debate this week and committed to endorsing the party’s eventual nominee as required.
In presenting his argument, Hutchinson drew upon a perspective offered by certain legal scholars suggesting Trump’s potential disqualification from the presidency. During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Hutchinson expressed doubt about Trump’s eligibility for the presidency, referencing the 14th Amendment. He stated, “I’m uncertain whether he meets the criteria to become the next President of the United States. Consequently, we cannot be urged to support an individual who might not even meet our constitutional qualifications. I’m specifically alluding to the 14th Amendment. Numerous legal scholars have contended that his actions on January 6th disqualify him.”
Addressing the practical implementation of this legal viewpoint, Hutchinson, a former Arkansas governor, opined that “a court declaration should be pursued. This would necessitate a distinct lawsuit to be filed, culminating in a determination that the former president engaged in insurrection, leading to his disqualification.”
He further elaborated, “This avenue is one approach. Alternatively, if a particular state independently arrives at such a conclusion, the burden of challenge would then shift to another party. In either scenario, the matter ultimately enters the judicial system for a conclusive determination.”
Anticipating the course of action, Hutchinson added, “I envision these lawsuits being lodged. I foresee certain states undertaking such measures, underscoring the genuine constitutional peril Donald Trump faces in terms of eligibility.”