A judge is hearing arguments as Michigan activists try to keep Trump off the ballot

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A judge in Michigan is hearing arguments Thursday on whether Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has the authority to keep Donald Trump’s name off state ballots for president. Activists are suing to force Benson to keep the former president’s name off ballots. Trump’s attorneys are demanding that he be allowed on the 2024 Republican primary ballot. Liberal groups have filed similar lawsuits in other states, portraying Trump as the inciter of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack. Activists point to part of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits a person from running for federal office if they have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S. or given aid or comfort to those who have.