In a recent interview, Missouri's Republican Secretary of State, Jay Ashcroft, shared his perspective on the 14th Amendment and its potential impact on former President Donald Trump's insurrection trial. Ashcroft expressed his belief that Trump would need to be convicted before the 14th Amendment could potentially apply to him in regards to his eligibility for future political office. He also outlined his concerns regarding the judicial practice of removing individuals from the ballot via extrajudicial means.
During the interview, Ashcroft noted that the 14th Amendment does not specifically mention the presidency. Therefore, he suggested that for it to be applicable to Trump, it would require his conviction in his ongoing trial. As the proceedings continue, Ashcroft speculated that the Supreme Court would ultimately weigh in on the matter, indicating his belief that they may side with the former president. He argued that such a decision would revolve around the broader issue of removing individuals from the ballot through extrajudicial means.