'Is Colorado still a state'? Political insiders pounce on Trump's ballot loss

Donald Trump on Tuesday got some bad legal news: the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that he is ineligible to appear on the state's ballot because of his behavior in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021 attempt at insurrection.

The internet was quick to react to the unprecedented decision.

Presidential historian Richard Painter had this to say:

"Insurrectionist Trump can't hold office. This forces the hand of the Supreme Court," he wrote Tuesday. "The Justices must decide if 14th Amend. S. 3 means what it says."

Noah Bookbinder, President of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), who brought the case on behalf of state residents, praised the decision as nation-saving.

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"The court’s decision is not only historic and justified, but is necessary to protect the future of democracy in our country," he tweeted. "Our Constitution clearly states that those who violate their oath by attacking our democracy are barred from serving in government."

Meanwhile, Trump stalwarts are singing a different tune.

Former Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA-Retired) asked on the former president's Truth Social if Colorado was still part of the Union, asking, "Is Colorado still a state," and adding a worried face emoji.

And Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) made it clear that the decision is absurd in his opinion.

"This is the kind of wake-up call we should not ignore," he posted on Twitter/X. "Nor is this just another bad, politically motivated ruling. This is lawless thuggery masquerading as jurisprudence."

He also predicted the ruling will be overturned: "This lawless, cynical ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court will not stand."