Does it Matter Trump Didn't Sign Illinois "Loyalty Oath?"
Former President Donald Trump campaigns near Quincy in 2022. He caused a stir in political circles when it was revealed he didn’t sign Illinois’ optional “Loyalty Oath” to get on the ballot. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
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A public radio story posted this weekend revealed former President Donald Trump did not sign and file a “loyalty oath” when he filed nominating petitions last week to appear on the Illinois primary ballot.
The “Loyalty Oath” is not required by law and was built around anti-communist sentiments from the McCarthy era. It was enacted in 1951 and was made optional in the 70’s after a court found it unconstitutional.
Here’s how it reads:
I, ______, do swear (or affirm) that I am a citizen of the United States and the State of Illinois, that I am not affiliated directly or indirectly with any communist organization or any communist front organization, or any foreign political agency, party, organization or government which advocates the overthrow of constitutional government by force or other means not permitted under the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of this State; that I do not directly or indirectly teach or advocate the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State or any unlawful change in the form of the governments thereof by force or any unlawful means.
Trump, of course, brings negative reactions due to his perceived, and criminally charged, role in the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol where Trump supporters attempted to stop the certification of the presidential election.
But, does it really matter?
Republicans differ on the perception.
“I never thought I'd see the day when Illinois' outdated and pointless Loyalty Oath about whether you're a Communist would be relevant and newsworthy,” said one prominent Republican political operative, playing down the impact.
But, another said Trump is drumming up more headaches for suburban Republicans.
“Donald Trump’s failure to sign Illinois’ loyalty oath symbolizes the man and his politics—he continues to make enormous mistakes that cost him and have considerable implications on every swing district Republican in Illinois and possibly even the nation,” the operative said. “The oath, an Illinois political tradition for decades, should have been signed, especially by Trump, as a large swath of voters truly fear his commitment to the values of our republic.”
We’re told state GOP Vice Chairman and former Lake County GOP Chairman Mark Shaw prepared Trump’s nominating petitions.
Shaw did not return a message Monday asking why the Loyalty Oath wasn’t signed.
Trump’s candidacy has been challenged on the grounds that he cited an insurrection. The State Board of Elections, and potentially the courts, will make the final decision on whether Trump qualifies for the Illinois ballot.