The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of former President Donald Trump, allowing him to stay on the ballot for another presidential term. The decision came after a challenge brought by voters in Colorado, who sought to disqualify Trump based on a constitutional provision in the 14th Amendment that prohibits insurrectionists from holding office.
Despite the unanimous decision by the justices, none of them took a position on whether Trump had engaged in insurrection. Instead, they focused on legal issues, with a majority stating that only Congress was responsible for enforcing the provision in the 14th Amendment against federal officeholders and candidates.
In response to the ruling, Trump expressed his pleasure during an interview on a conservative radio program, stating, “I was very honored by a nine-to-nothing vote. And this is for future presidents, this is not for me.”
The decision comes during a critical period in the presidential race, with Super Tuesday primary elections taking place and President Biden scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address later in the week. Both the Trump and Biden campaigns see this as a pivotal moment that will set the tone for the upcoming general election.
In other news, France made history by becoming the first country to explicitly enshrine access to abortion in its constitution. The amendment, prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, reflects the widespread support for abortion in France. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal stated, “We are sending the message to all women: Your body belongs to you and no one has the right to control it in your stead.”
Unlike in the U.S., abortion is not a politically charged issue in France, with most people believing it is a basic public health service and a woman’s right. The amendment passed with overwhelming support from lawmakers, further solidifying France’s stance on reproductive rights.
Overall, these recent developments in the U.S. and France highlight the ongoing debates and decisions surrounding key issues in both countries, setting the stage for future political discussions and actions.