STAGE 2: TRUMP’S DEFENCE

Trump’s lawyers opened their defence on Friday. Their objective - don’t lose any of the Republican votes, and wrap up the arguments quickly THE ARGUMENTS Trump’s lawyers argued that the trial is unconstitutional, the insurrectionists did so of their own accord, and that his rhetoric to his supporters was nothing but common political speech. ‘HATRED’ ANGLE Trump’s lawyers are hoping to convince not only GOP senators but also viewers of the trial that the impeachment was fuelled only by “hatred” of the former president.