Former President Donald Trump has delivered a pointed warning to members of his own party following a string of disappointing Republican losses in Tuesday’s elections, signaling renewed tensions within the GOP over its direction and leadership.
The political ripple follows last year’s legal battle in Colorado, where state officials attempted to bar Trump from appearing on the ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment — a clause that prohibits individuals involved in “insurrection or rebellion” from holding public office. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately overturned that move, ruling that “only Congress — not individual states — has the constitutional authority to enforce the clause.”
That landmark decision has now shifted the power conversation back to Capitol Hill, energizing some Republican lawmakers who see Congress as the ultimate arbiter in determining eligibility under Section 3. With the GOP holding a slim 219–213 majority in the House, several members are reportedly exploring how the ruling could shape future disputes over who can or cannot seek federal office.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, Republican leadership is even considering a symbolic post-election vote to declare Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani ineligible under the same constitutional clause.
However, legal and political experts quickly pointed out that any such attempt would face “steep procedural and legal challenges,” including a probable filibuster in the Democrat-controlled Senate and almost certain judicial review.
Even if brought to the floor, analysts say the effort would likely be more performative than practical, emphasizing political posturing rather than enforceable action. “It would be unlikely to survive judicial scrutiny,” one constitutional expert noted.
The episode underscores the growing divide within the GOP — between those who want to reshape the party’s identity and those still aligned with Trump’s combative, populist influence — as both sides brace for what could become an increasingly volatile election cycle.