Former President Donald Trump expressed his appreciation to the Supreme Court for its recent decision regarding ballot eligibility, commending the ruling as “thoughtfully crafted.” The unanimous decision, rendered without any dissents, brought an end to a legal skirmish over whether states possess the authority to exclude Trump from their ballots based on the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.

The ruling, which overturned a prior decision by the Colorado Supreme Court, specifically addressed the misinterpretation that states could autonomously determine a candidate’s eligibility for federal office, underscoring that Congress bears that responsibility. This clarification applies universally to all states and ensures that Trump’s name remains on the Colorado ballot while resolving similar cases in Maine and Illinois.

Reacting to the decision in a capitalized post on social media, Trump celebrated it as a “significant victory for America!!!” The ruling also forestalled any determination of whether Trump’s actions leading up to the Capitol attack constituted an insurrection.

The court’s decision highlights the potential for chaos if states were given the freedom to decide eligibility criteria for presidential candidates, emphasizing the necessity for a consistent, national approach. Despite the unanimous bottom-line vote, there were divisions among the justices, with liberal justices expressing concern that the decision could shield Trump from future controversies.

The ruling removes one avenue for holding Trump accountable for his role in challenging the 2020 election results and his encouragement of supporters to march on the Capitol on January 6. While facing criminal charges for the same conduct, the Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on Trump’s claim of presidential immunity in April.

Responding to the decision, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold conveyed disappointment and underscored the need for Congress to enact authorizing legislation. The ruling, however, leaves the door open for voters to have the ultimate say in the upcoming elections, according to Griswold.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows promptly adjusted her stance, withdrawing the determination that Trump’s primary petition was invalid in light of the Supreme Court decision. The ruling ensures a consistent approach across states, preventing a patchwork of decisions that could disrupt elections.

The legal battle centered around Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, enacted after the Civil War to prevent former Confederates from returning to power. The case raised novel legal questions regarding its application to presidential candidates and the authority to determine engagement in insurrection.

While the court’s decision is a significant triumph for Trump, it also raises concerns about potential misuse of the 14th Amendment provision as a partisan weapon. The decision, while unanimous, reveals underlying disagreements among the justices on the extent of their resolution, with liberal justices cautioning against potential future controversies involving Trump.