The US Supreme Court has said it will hear a historic case to determine if Donald Trump can run for president.
The justices agreed to take up Trump’s appeal against a decision by Colorado to remove him from the 2024 ballot in that state.
The case will be heard in February and the ruling will apply nationwide.
Lawsuits in a number of states are seeking to disqualify Mr Trump, arguing that he engaged in insurrection during the US Capitol riot three years ago.
The legal challenges hinge on whether a Civil War-era constitutional amendment renders Trump ineligible to stand as a candidate.
The Supreme Court’s decision to hear Trump’s appeal came after attorneys general from 27 states filed a brief asking the court to reject Colorado’s ruling.
In it, they argue that removing Trump from the ballot would “create widespread chaos”.
The 14th Amendment of the US Constitution bans anyone who has “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” from holding federal office, but the former president’s lawyers argue it does not apply to the president.
Donald Trump has also appealed against a decision by electoral officials in Maine to remove him from the ballot.
The primary ballots, held in each state, will help to determine which presidential candidates run in November’s election.
