Procession paves way for Trump’s insurrection trial
DONALD TRUMP’S second impeachment trial, over the riot started by his supporters at the US Capitol on January 6, has been set in motion.
Nine Democrats from the House of Representatives carried a charge of insurrection to the Senate, processing across the marbled halls where the ugly scenes unfolded.
The former president is accused of inciting the violence with a speech beforehand as he continued to cry foul over his election defeat.
If found guilty, he could be prevented from attempting to win back power in 2024. Reading the charge to the Senate, Democrat Jamie Raskin said: ‘Donald John Trump engaged in high crimes and misdemeanours by inciting violence against the government of the United States.’
Ten House Republicans joined the Democrats in voting to impeach Mr Trump. But support from 17 Republican senators would be needed to secure a conviction, which president Joe Biden has said he does not expect.
Mr Trump is the first president to be impeached twice in US history. He was acquitted in February 2020 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after he asked Ukraine to investigate Mr Biden and his son.
The US chief justice usually presides over impeachment trials. But, with Mr Trump out of office, the latest one will be left in the hands of Democrat Patrick Leahy, 80, the longest-serving senator.
Republican senator Joni Ernst raised fears over the bid to ‘convict a private citizen’. But Democrat Chuck Schumer said ex-presidents should not be given ‘a constitutional get-out-of-jail-free card’.