The Supreme Court's decision was predictable. The fact that it was approved unanimously – a rare phenomenon – is a strong signal. On Monday, March 4, the nine justices of the highest court in the United States rejected the idea of disqualifying Donald Trump from the race for the Republican nomination. This exclusion was issued by the Colorado Supreme Court in December 2023 due to the former president's involvement in the January 6, 2021 insurrection.
This is a new victory for Donald Trump in his legal journey with numerous obstacles. Indicted on four counts, his goal remains unchanged: slowing the progress of the investigation to prevent trials from taking place before the November presidential election.
At noon, Donald Trump gave a speech at his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, which was broadcast by all news networks. He was already planning the duel against Joe Biden and deliberately adopted a more conciliatory and measured tone than in his meetings. He repeatedly said the Supreme Court's decision was a “unifying factor” for the country. “Fight your own battles,” Donald Trump said to Joe Biden, denouncing for the umpteenth time the Democrat’s alleged exploitation of justice. He also “respectfully” suggested the president resume his old policy of securing the border with Mexico instead of turning to Congress.
Also read the column: Article reserved for our subscribers “The situation at the border with Mexico has become a Republican rallying cry: America first”
Complete your selection
This victory offered by the Supreme Court comes on the eve of Super Tuesday, a key moment in the primaries in which Republican activists and sympathizers will vote in fifteen states on Tuesday, March 5. This evening is likely to consolidate the favorite's lead at the expense of Nikki Haley, whose stay in the race appears increasingly at risk. Donald Trump can also enjoy a series of positive national polls that show a roughly two-point lead over Joe Biden eight months before the deadline, but have no scientific value.
Not bleached
Another important caveat: The Supreme Court's decision does not address the merits, namely Donald Trump's involvement in attempting to sabotage the peaceful transfer of power in January 2021. The former president will not be acquitted.
The nine justices stick with a reading of the balance of power between the federal government, Congress and the states. This point is critically important because it preserves both the integrity of the investigation led by Special Prosecutor Jack Smith and the central argument of Joe Biden's re-election campaign: Donald Trump poses an existential threat to American democracy.
You still have 59.89% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.