In a hotly contested ruling, the Michigan Supreme Court decided today to allow President Donald Trump to appear on the 2024 presidential primary ballot in the Great Lakes State.
The decision came in response to an appeal filed by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in March 2021. Benson had argued that Trump’s continued presence on the ballot would “unnecessarily inject partisan politics into an issue of great importance” and “could potentially affect the political landscape of the entire nation.”
The Supreme Court rejected her appeal, ruling that the constitution of Michigan does not prohibit a public official — even the president — from appearing on a presidential primary ballot. Justice Maureen O’Connor, who wrote the majority opinion, stated that “any decision about the eligibility of a particular candidate must be made based on the individual merits of the case and should not be based on political considerations.”
The ruling will likely have implications for the 2024 presidential election. It will allow Michigan voters, rather than a single official, to ultimately decide if Trump is fit to be a candidate. While the long-term implications of the court’s ruling remain to be seen, it will almost certainly create a more competitive electoral landscape in the Great Lakes State ahead of the 2024 presidential race.
The decision by the Michigan Supreme Court is yet another example of the controversy that has followed Donald Trump since he entered the Oval Office. From courts overturning much of his legislation to states filing appeals against him, the 45th president has been mired in political and legal battles since his election in 2016.
For now, Trump will appear on the Michigan primary ballot in 2024. However, it’s unclear if the decision will ultimately make a difference in the outcome of the presidential race, or if it will add yet another chapter to his tumultuous presidency.