Trump verdict shames the US

■ THE Republicans in the Senate who voted not to impeach Donald Trump after the shameful scenes at the Capitol on January 6 have put their own positions and misguided loyalty above the US Constitution and rule of law.

The evidence presented by the Democrats showed Trump’s message to the mob, and their actions thereafter were plain for all to see. If this isn’t an impeachable offence worthy of conviction then what is?

After the first impeachment trial, Congressman Adam Schiff warned the failure to reach a guilty verdict would lead to worse events. How right he was. Having let Trump off a second time only validates his conspiracy-led rhetoric.

Martin Jackson Macclesfield, Cheshire

■ The acquittal of Donald Trump after a second impeachment trial is a disgrace. The Democrats’ prosecution presentation was devastating but Republicans who were meant to be impartially judging the case were sitting with their legs up on the furniture, reading, tweeting or even sleeping as the evidence was being given. I fear the world is a more dangerous place now Trump has had this confidence boost. I only hope our own Trump “Mini-me”, Mr Johnson, isn’t taking any notes.

John Irving, Leeds

■ The outcome of Trump’s second impeachment couldn’t be more peachy. The Democrats did the right thing and were seen to do so. The Republicans did all the

wrong things and were seen to do so. And now – having shown craven and cowardly behaviour – the overwhelming irony emerges that the only folks Trump can now significantly damage are the Republicans themselves.

You have to believe in cosmic payback and I only feel hope for the US under President Biden. Now wait for karma to come and knock on Boris Johnson’s door.

Amanda Baker, Edinburgh

■ It’s beyond belief Donald Trump has avoided being impeached as only seven Republican senators voted with the Democrats which, in effect, means he could run for president in four years’ time.

Trump virtually instigated the assault on the Capitol by a frenzied mob in which five people died. I just don’t understand how anyone in such a responsible position could side with someone so clearly deranged as the former president.

Those Republican senators have brought shame on themselves and their party, irrevocably damaging the integrity of America.

M Smith, Chatham, Kent

Having watched Trump’s impeachment proceedings from start to finish, I wonder how those Republicans who voted to acquit sleep at night. They have not only put politics before country but also before world peace.

They have allowed this unhinged, egotistic megalomaniac to run for office again, not only putting their country in danger but also the rest of the world. They should be deeply ashamed.

Roger Grant, Thurnscoe

South Yorks

■ Republicans should hang their heads in shame for letting Donald Trump walk away from the shambles he caused. This deluded individual had his finger on the nuclear button for four years – we’re lucky the planet is still in one piece.

M J Rowland, Leigh, Lancs

■ It seems to me any Republican who votes against impeaching Trump should forfeit the right to call themselves the party of law and order ever again. They are shooting themselves in the foot. It couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch!

Derek Mcmillan

Durrington, West Sussex