Colorado Supreme Court disqualifies Donald Trump from 2024 election ballot citing 14th Amendment’s ‘insurrectionist ban’

DONALD Trump has been ruled ineligible to run for US president for allegedly engaging in insurrection, the Colorado Supreme Court has ruled.

It means the brash tycoon risks being banned from appearing on the state's ballot for next year's GOP primary.

The ruling was handed down in a 4-3 decision by judges who have all been appointed by Democratic governors.

It will remain, however, on hold until January 4 pending an appeal, which Trump is expected to make to the US Supreme Court.

But, Trump, who lost the Colorado 2020 election vote by 13 percentage points, can still run for US President in next year's election.

A Republican presidential candidate has not carried Colorado since George W. Bush's victory in the state where he defeated John Kerry.

The ruling only applies to the state's primary election on March 5, when Republican voters will choose their preferred candidate for president.

But, it could have national implications - particularly if the Supreme Court upholds the verdict.

It could inspire other state supreme courts to pass motions that ban Trump from the ballot - potentially in crucial battleground states.

“I think it may embolden other state courts or secretaries to act now that the bandage has been ripped off,” Derek Muller, a Notre Dame law professor warned.

“This is a major threat to Trump’s candidacy.”

States have been litigating Trump's eligibility since his association with the Capitol protests on January 6, 2021.

The former president shared tweets during the riot that encouraged protesters to demonstrate while claiming the election results were stolen by Democrats.

Voters have since cited this day as a reason to disqualify Trump, as his actions could be a violation of the 14th Amendment in the US Constitution.