"Trump Declines Illinois Ballot Loyalty Oath Against Government Overthrow"

Former President Donald Trump did not sign Illinois' traditional loyalty oath, which includes a pledge against advocating for the overthrow of the government, as part of his 2024 election paperwork. This omission, noted days before the third anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, marks a departure from his previous campaigns where he signed the oath. The Biden campaign criticized Trump for this, while Trump's campaign insists he will uphold the Constitution if elected. The loyalty oath, a relic from the McCarthy era, is optional after being deemed unconstitutional, but many candidates still sign it. Trump's decision not to sign has raised questions, especially as his eligibility to run is being challenged based on the 14th Amendment, which bars insurrectionists from holding office.