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SanAndreasX on 09 June 2023
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EpicRandy said:
SanAndreasX said:

There's actually nothing in the Constitution that bars felons from becoming President, Senators, or Representatives. All of those offices specify only age and citizenship requirements. Only the Senate can bar people who otherwise meet citizenship and age requirements from holding office, and only after the person in question is convicted by the Senate in an impeachment trial. Even with a felony conviction, Trump could still be elected President. It would create an unprecedented political crisis, but a felony conviction in itself is not a disqualification. 

Charges do not legally bar Trump from running for President - New York Times

Aren't there states that won't allow an application from a felon so while they can still try to get elected they would do so at a disadvantage?

They can only exclude felons from state offices. They cannot override the provisions for federal offices like President or Congress, which are set by the United States Constitution. That can only be changed with a constitutional amendment.

An exception is U.S. Constitution, Amendment XIV, Section 3, which states that a person is disqualified from public office who has taken an oath to the Constitution and has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or given aid or comfort to its enemies. Since the Senate acquitted Trump of inciting an insurrection following his second impeachment, the door has likely slammed shut on that provision. 

Last edited by SanAndreasX - on 09 June 2023