Senators sworn for Trump trial
Impeachment arguments are set to begin Tuesday
Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts was sworn in Thursday to preside over President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, then immediately swore in the entire Senate body in turn as jurors for the proceeding.
The Constitution mandates the chief justice serve as the presiding officer. Roberts, who has long insisted judges are not politicians, is expected to serve as a referee for the proceedings rather than an active participant. Senators will ultimately render the verdict.
Earlier Thursday, House Democrats prosecuting the case stood before the Senate and Rep. Adam Schiff, Intelligence Committee chairman, and formally read the articles of impeachment.
WASHINGTON – Chief Justice John Roberts was sworn in Thursday to preside over President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, then immediately administered the oath to the full Senate to ensure “impartial justice” as jurors for only the third such proceeding in American. history.
Roberts made the short trip across the street from the Supreme Court before being ushered to the Senate chamber.
“Will all senators now stand, and remain standing, and raise their right hand,” Roberts said.
“Do you solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States, now pending, you will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, so help you God?”
The senators, at their desks, responded and then were called up to sign the oath book.
The Constitution mandates the chief justice serve as the presiding officer. Roberts is expected to serve as a referee for the proceedings rather than an active participant. Senators ultimately will render the verdict.
GOP Sen. James Inhofe was absent, home in Oklahoma for a family medical issue, his office said. He plans to return when the full trial begins next week.
Earlier Thursday, House Democrats prosecuting the case stood before the Senate for the formal reading of the articles of impeachment against Trump.
“Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!” said the Senate’s sergeant at arms, calling the proceedings to order at noon.
Senators filled the chamber, sitting silently under strict trial rules that prohibit talking or cellphones, as protocol shifted the proceedings from Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Democratic-run House to the Republican-majority Senate.
Seven lawmakers prosecuting the charges, led by Rep. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Rep. Jerrold Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, made the solemn walk across the Capitol for a second day.
“With the permission of the Senate, I will now read the articles of impeachment,” said Schiff, standing at a lectern in the well of the chamber, a space usually reserved for senators.
“House Resolution 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, president of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors,” he began, reading the nine pages.
Trump faces a charge that he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress’ ensuing probe.
The president has repeatedly called the impeachment a “hoax.”
Opening arguments were set for Tuesday.