Maine Secretary of State Faces Threats After Ousting Trump from Ballot Over Capitol Riot, Draws Attention for White House Visits

Decision to Exclude Trump from Maine Ballot Sparks Backlash

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows made headlines by disqualifying Donald Trump from the state’s presidential primary ballot, citing his actions during the US Capitol riot.

This decision mirrored a similar ruling by Colorado’s Supreme Court on December 19. However, Bellows’ move drew intense scrutiny and threats to her family’s safety.

White House Meetings and Controversial Op-Ed Resurface

Bellows’ encounters with President Joe Biden earlier in the year, notably during a Women’s History Month Event in March and a subsequent meeting with a presidential aide in June, surfaced through visitor logs.

Additionally, an op-ed from June 2021 resurfaced, where Bellows expressed concerns about the Electoral College’s role in the democratic process.

Family Threats and ‘Swatting’ Incident

Following Bellows’ decision to remove Trump from the ballot, her family faced threats, culminating in a dangerous ‘swatting’ incident at their home.

‘Swatting,’ a false emergency report intended to provoke a significant police response, heightened security concerns, although no injuries occurred.

Constitutional Interpretation and Controversial Decision

Bellows defended her decision under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, barring individuals involved in insurrection from holding office.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the clause’s application to presidential candidates, Bellows remained resolute in her interpretation, acknowledging the historic nature of her decision.

Standing by a Historic Ruling

In a CNN interview, Bellows emphasized her commitment to upholding the Constitution despite the unprecedented nature of her action.

She acknowledged the gravity of depriving a presidential candidate of ballot access but remained steadfast in her decision, citing the obligation to uphold the Constitution as her foremost priority.

Shenna Bellows’ bold stance to exclude Donald Trump from Maine’s ballot has stirred controversy, prompting threats to her family’s safety.

Her actions, rooted in a constitutional interpretation and criticism of the Electoral College, have sparked debate while drawing attention to her White House visits earlier in the yea