HOW TRUMP’S TRIAL WILL WORK

Former US President Donald Trump’s historic second impeachment trial begins on Tuesday. Will he be convicted?

THE EVENT

The Senate will decide whether to convict Trump of ‘incitement of insurrection’ after his supporters laid siege to the US Capitol on January 6. The House impeached him on January 13

THE VOTE

Trump, despite being out of office, can be convicted by two-thirds of the senators present. The prosecutors and Trump’s defence team will get to make arguments. Senators can then ask questions in writing before a final vote. Each lawmaker will stand up and cast their vote: ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’

WHY IT MATTERS

Republicans and Trump’s lawyers argue the trial is unnecessary and unconstitutional because he’s no longer president. Democrats disagree. If Trump is convicted, the Senate could take a second vote to bar him from holding office again

WILL HE SURVIVE?

Trump’s acquittal is widely expected. It’s well-known that there aren’t enough Senate Republicans willing to vote in favour of convicting him. But all 100 senators will have to listen to hours of testimony from House Democrats about the Capitol riot

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Unclear. Democrats want to ensure they have enough time to make their case, but they don’t want to tie up the Senate for long

THE ROAD AHEAD

An acquittal would be a victory for Trump and would prove he retains considerable sway over his party. It would also mean he can mull another shot at the presidency, say in 2024

“YOU CANNOT GO FORWARD UNTIL YOU HAVE JUSTICE.”

—US HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI