Historians sign brief supporting Colorado’s removal of Trump from ballot

An amicus brief that has been making the rounds was written by 25 historians, including ASU’s own Brooks Simpson, ASU Foundation Professor of History.

The brief is getting heavy coverage for its support of Colorado’s decision to keep former President Donald Trump off the ballot, citing the 14th Amendment’s disqualification clause.

The brief explains the 14th Amendment’s disqualification clause in Section 3 covers the President and doesn’t require further congressional action to keep insurrectionists from office.

“I decided to join this because I do think there are times when historians can actually help illuminate a public debate,” said Simpson. “We’re just shining a light on exactly what the people at the time were thinking and saying and intending.”

This case