President Biden, in wake of Colorado ruling, says Trump 'no question' supported an insurrection

WASHINGTON ― President Joe Biden said Wednesday there is "no question" Donald Trump supported an insurrection but said the courts would decide whether the former president can appear on the 2024 presidential ballot.

"It's self evident. You saw it all. Now whether the 14th Amendment applies, I’ll let the court make that decision," Biden said. "But he certainly supported an insurrection. No question about it. None. Zero. And he seems to be doubling down on about everything."

Biden was responding to a reporter's question about the Colorado Supreme Court's 4-3 decision Tuesday to disqualify Trump − the overwhelming frontrunner to secure the GOP nomination − from the state's Republican primary ballot because of his role in inciting the attack at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Biden had just landed on Air Force One in Milwaukee, where he later delivered remarks before the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce.

Under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, anyone who "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" after taking an oath to protect the Constitution is barred from holding federal office.

Trump aides have said they will "swiftly" appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, potentially seeking emergency relief that would force the court to act within weeks.

The state Supreme Court's decision in Colorado drew an immediate backlash from Republicans, including some of Trump's primary opponents who argued voters, not the courts, should decide whether Trump holds office again.

“I think he should be prevented from being the president of the United States by the voters of this country,” said former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a frequent Trump critic. "I think it's bad for the country if that happens."

Businessman Vivik Ramaswamy vowed to remove himself from the Republican ballot in Colorado "until Trump is allowed to be on the ballot." He called on his Republican rivals to do the same.

"This belongs to the people, not the unelected Democratic cabal of judges in Colorado or any other state," Ramaswamy said.