News
Trump Claims ‘Nothing in the Constitution’ Says Even if He’s Convicted and Sentenced He Can’t Run for President
Testing the boundaries of the 14th Amendment, Donald Trump on Friday insisted the Constitution allows him to run for president, even if he’s convicted and sentenced.
Trump was asked about the likely, impending indictment involving the Special Counsel’s investigation into his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which presumably would include his actions surrounding the January 6, 2021 insurrection.
If he were “convicted and sentenced,” Trump was asked on the John Fredericks Show, “does that stop your campaign for president?”
“Not at all,” Trump replied. “There’s nothing in the Constitution to say that it could.”
Ten days ago Trump announced that his attorneys had been told by the Special Counsel’s office he is a target in the investigation into his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. They reportedly were also told on Thursday to expect an indictment. Many expected Trump would be indicted Thursday in the election fraud and obstruction case, but instead Jack Smith’s grand jury handed down a superseding indictment in the Espionage Act case involving classified documents.
Since there is no current indictment in the investigation into his efforts to overturn the election any possible charges are unknown.
But Trump’s claim there is “nothing in the Constitution” to prevent him from running for president if convicted and sentenced ignores the 14th Amendment to the Constitution that states anyone who has taken an oath “to support the Constitution” and later has “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” is disqualified from holding office.
Presumably, Trump can run, he can even be elected, but, it’s possible he would not be able to be sworn into office.
In December Trump called for “the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution.”
Watch Trump’s remarks below or at this link.
Donald Trump, when asked if being convicted and sentenced in one of his criminal cases would stop his 2024 presidential campaign:
“Not at all. There’s nothing in the Constitution to say that it could.” pic.twitter.com/aQlcSi9Vrt
— The Recount (@therecount) July 28, 2023
Image via Shutterstock
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.