Trump’s second impeachment trial
Lawyers for former President Donald Trump on Monday denounced the impeachment charges against him as “political theater,” arguing that he did not incite rioters to attack the Capitol and that it was unconstitutional for the Senate to try a former president. Here’s the latest on the proceedings, which begin on Tuesday.
House impeachment managers have said that Mr. Trump was “singularly responsible” for the attack after a campaign to spread false claims that victory in the presidential election had been stolen from him. Here’s where every senator stands on convicting the former president.
Mr. Trump is the first ex-president ever to be subject to an impeachment trial after leaving office. The proceedings will open with a debate on whether a former president can be tried by the Senate for high crimes and misdemeanors. If a simple majority of senators agree to move forward, as expected, the prosecution and defense would begin presenting their cases on Wednesday. Mr. Trump’s lawyers have said that he will not testify at the trial.
The trial is expected to break Friday evening and reconvene on Sunday to honor the Jewish Sabbath at the request of Mr. Trump’s lawyers. It could conclude as early as next week, faster than any presidential impeachment trial in American history.
The New York Times
