The Supreme Court was right not to disqualify Trump — and will be right to rule against Trump on immunity

In a landmark decision underscoring our constitutional framework and the limits of state power, the Supreme Court’s ruling on former President Donald Trump’s disqualification protects the integrity of our electoral process and reaffirms our republic’s foundational principles. In holding that states cannot disqualify Trump from the ballot for his role in the Jan. 6 attacks on the Capitol, the court made a clear statement about the scope of authority vested in state versus federal powers, particularly concerning enforcing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

This amendment, enacted in the wake of the Civil War, was designed to disqualify individuals from holding office if they had previously supported the Confederacy after swearing an oath to uphold the Constitution. The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to prevent Colorado from removing Trump from the ballot is a testament to the principle that only Congress has the power to enforce this provision against candidates for federal offices.

The significance of this ruling cannot be overstated. It arrived at a crucial juncture, just a day before Super Tuesday, emphasizing the court’s awareness of the timing and its potential impact on the electoral process. With Trump holding a commanding lead in the race for the Republican nomination, the decision ensured that the primary election could proceed without the cloud of constitutional controversy.

The court’s restraint in not extending its decision beyond the necessary legal questions is commendable. While four justices — Justice Amy Coney Barrett in a separate opinion and Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson in a joint opinion — expressed that the court should have limited its decision strictly to the matter at hand, the overall agreement among all nine justices is a rare and remarkable occurrence. It underscores a unified commitment to upholding the Constitution and the democratic principles it enshrines.

This decision is a reminder of the careful balance of powers that defines our federal system. It reinforces the idea that while states play a crucial role in the administration of elections, the qualifications for federal officeholders are not theirs to redefine. This boundary is crucial for maintaining a unified electoral system across the nation, ensuring that all Americans, regardless of where they live, consistently understand who can and cannot serve in public office.

Looking ahead, the court is anticipated to rule on another case concerning Trump — this time regarding his claim of immunity in relation to all actions taken in office. Given the court’s unanimous and principled stance in the recent decision, there is a strong indication that it will again approach the matter with a keen sense of constitutional fidelity and judicial restraint.

The anticipation of a unanimous decision against Trump in the immunity case suggests a court that is not swayed by partisan considerations but is deeply committed to the rule of law. Such an outcome would not only reinforce the accountability of the highest office in the land but also affirm the principle that no one, not even the president, is above the law.

As we reflect on the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, we must appreciate the broader implications for our democracy. This decision is a powerful affirmation of the constitutional safeguards that protect our electoral integrity and ensure that federal elections are conducted within a uniform legal framework. It is not a victory for one individual or one political party but for the American people and the democratic values we hold dear.

As we look to the future, let’s remember the Supreme Court’s role in navigating the complex interplay of state and federal authority. This recent decision is a testament to the court’s essential function in interpreting the Constitution and ensuring that its provisions are applied faithfully, safeguarding the electoral process and, by extension, our democracy itself.

David Ramadan is professor of practice at the Schar School at George Mason University and a former Republican member of the Virginia House of Delegates.