Trump's GOP rivals denounce Maine's move to oust him from 2024 primary ballot

The escalating political tussle surrounding the candidacy of former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential race has intensified, as several Republican candidates running against Trump have condemned Maine's decision to disqualify him from its primary ballot.

Following Colorado's lead, Maine marked its stance on Thursday, utilizing the 14th Amendment's insurrection clause to bar Trump from its 2024 primary ballot. This decision has catalyzed a push for the Supreme Court to weigh in on the matter, with Trump's legal team vowing to challenge Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows' ruling.

What has Christie said?

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie expressed his dissatisfaction with Maine's decision, asserting on CNN's "This Morning" Friday that it "makes him a martyr." Christie stressed that the determination of a candidate's eligibility should be left to the voters and not the courts.

What has DeSantis said?

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, echoing similar sentiments, voiced his concerns on Fox News, stating that the move risked "opening up Pandora's box." DeSantis criticized the unilateral disqualification by an executive position, emphasizing its contradiction with the constitutional due process established for over two centuries in the United States.

In line with Christie's perspective, a spokesperson for Nikki Haley conveyed a commitment to a fair competition, asserting, "Nikki will beat Trump fair and square." The spokesperson underscored that the decision regarding candidacy should rest with the voters themselves.

A threat to democracy, says Vivek

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who previously pledged to withdraw from the Colorado ballot following a similar ruling, denounced Maine's decision as a severe threat to democracy. Ramaswamy called upon Christie, Haley, and DeSantis to follow suit and withdraw from any state's ballot that removes Trump.

The move by Maine to exclude Trump from the 2024 primary ballot has evoked both support and opposition among lawmakers. While some, like Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.), have applauded the decision, citing Trump's role in inciting a violent riot, others have criticized it as an affront to the democratic process.

The unfolding developments around Trump's candidacy and the states' decisions to disqualify him from primary ballots have not only ignited fervent debates but have also raised crucial questions about the role of courts, executive authority, and the fundamental principles governing the electoral process.