Liberal Attorneys Propose Using 14th Amendment To Block Trump's Presidency
Two liberal attorneys propose a controversial strategy to prevent Donald Trump from assuming the presidency despite his electoral victory.
According to Daily Caller, attorneys Evan Davis and David Schulte argue that Congress can reject Trump's electoral votes during the January 6 certification process, potentially paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become president instead.
The lawyers base their argument on the 14th Amendment's disqualification clause, which bars individuals who have engaged in insurrection after taking an oath to support the Constitution from holding office.
They outlined their strategy in a column published in The Hill, suggesting that Congress has the constitutional authority to reject electoral votes for Trump based on this provision.
Constitutional Grounds For Electoral Vote Challenge Spark Debate
Davis and Schulte maintain that lawmakers can dispute electoral votes if they were "not lawfully certified" or if the vote was "not regularly given." Their interpretation suggests that votes cast for a constitutionally disqualified candidate would fall under the category of votes "not regularly given."
The attorneys draw parallels between disqualification for insurrection and other constitutional requirements such as age, citizenship, and residency. They argue that these qualifications carry equal weight under the law.
Regarding the procedural aspects, the attorneys explain that mounting such a challenge would require support from 20 percent of members from each chamber of Congress. If successful, the challenge could potentially alter the electoral math in Harris's favor.
Supreme Court Decision And State-Level Attempts Face Scrutiny
Earlier attempts to remove Trump from state ballots have met significant legal resistance. In February, the Supreme Court rejected Colorado's effort to keep Trump off their 2024 ballot, establishing a crucial precedent.
According to Davis and Schulte's proposal, Congress can reject electoral votes on constitutional grounds. They stated:
To make an objection under the Count Act requires a petition signed by 20 percent of the members of each House. If the objection is sustained by majority vote in each house, the vote is not counted and the number of votes required to be elected is reduced by the number of disqualified votes. If all votes for Trump were not counted, Kamala Harris would be elected president.
The attorneys acknowledge the political improbability of their proposal, particularly given the current composition of Congress. However, they argue that Democratic lawmakers have a constitutional duty to challenge votes cast for Trump.
Democratic Leadership Signals Different Approach To Transfer
Leading Democrats have publicly distanced themselves from any plans to object to Trump's electoral victory. Representative Joe Morelle of New York emphasizes the party's commitment to respecting the will of voters.
Several Democratic lawmakers who previously objected to Trump's electors in 2017 have indicated they will not pursue similar actions this time. This marks a significant shift in strategy compared to previous electoral challenges.
The position taken by Democratic leadership suggests a focus on maintaining institutional stability and democratic norms. Their approach appears designed to contrast with the events of January 6, 2021.
Strategic Proposal Faces Constitutional And Political Hurdles
The plan proposed by Davis and Schulte faces substantial practical and legal obstacles. Constitutional scholars have raised concerns about the interpretation of the Electoral Count Reform Act and its implications.
Legal experts point out potential flaws in the attorneys' reasoning regarding vote-counting procedures. Some argue that rejected votes would trigger different constitutional mechanisms than those suggested by Davis and Schulte.
These technical disagreements highlight the complexity of electoral law and the challenges of implementing such unprecedented legal strategies.
Complex Legal Strategy Meets Political Reality
Two liberal attorneys have presented Congress with an unconventional strategy to prevent Donald Trump from taking office by invoking the 14th Amendment's disqualification clause during the electoral vote certification process on January 6.
The proposal, while legally creative, faces significant opposition from both Republican lawmakers and Democratic leadership, who have publicly committed to ensuring a normal transfer of power. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between constitutional interpretation and political practicality in American democracy.