Trump can be 'disqualified' from running for president again: former White House ethics lawyer

Appearing on CNN on Wednesday morning, former White House ethics czar Richard Painter explained that the U.S. Consitution provides the legal framework to bar former president Donald Trump from running for the Oval Office again in 2024 and beyond.

Speaking with host Jim Sciutto, Painter -- who stated he had been a Republican for over 30 years including his two years serving ex-President George Bush -- stated there is adequate evidence that the one-term president plotted against the U.S. government which would, in turn, bar him from holding office again.

Following a discussion about a report that Trump is demanding former officials in the administration refuse to respond to subpoenas issued by the House select committee investigating the Jan 6th Capitol riot, the attorney was asked if any of them would face criminal charges.

"Richard Painter, before we go, are any of the senior officials, including the former president, but others who helped and aided this plot, going to face charges for this," the CNN host prompted. "Or will it be another instance of a lot of sound and fury but no actual action?"

"Well, the prosecutor down in Atlanta is looking at state charges against Donald Trump, I believe, for solicitation of election fraud," the attorney replied. "But once again, the Department of Justice does need to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the former president and those working for him."

"I will note I was a Republican for 30 years, and one of the most important accomplishments of the Republican Party was the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution -- Section 3 of the 14th Amendment disqualifies from public office anyone who has supported an insurrection such as what happened during January 6th at the Capitol."

"Donald Trump is disqualified from public office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, and the Justice Department needs to appoint a special prosecutor to prosecute everyone involved in the events of that day," he reiterated before insisting, "We should not have to deal with his candidacy in 2024."

Watch below:

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In other news Wednesday, a team of cold case investigators believe they have identified the notorious Zodiac Killer -- and linked him to other murders. WATCH:

Zodiac killer identified by cold case team and linked to another murderyoutu.be