On Saturday (Feb. 13), the U.S. Senate voted down former President Donald Trump (Trump) on charges of sedition in his impeachment trial. This concludes the Trump impeachment case.
The 57-to-43 vote on the day fell well short of the two-thirds of members required by the Constitution to agree to a conviction. That means at least 17 Republicans in the 100-seat Senate would have to join all 50 Democrats to convict Trump.
Trump lawyer Michael van der Veen insisted in closing arguments that it would be hypocritical for Democrats to impeach Trump and called the process unconstitutional.
“Throughout the summer, Democratic leaders, including the current president and vice president, have repeatedly made comments that provide moral comfort to mobs attacking police officers,” Van de Ven said.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) voted not guilty, arguing, “It was a vote of conscience.”
Last month, the House initiated a second impeachment of Trump on the sole charge of sedition by a vote of 232 (including Democrats and 10 Republicans) to 197. The charges stem from the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, which Democratic impeachment managers and other Democrats labeled a “riot” and claimed Trump had incited.
Trump’s lawyers argue that the incitement charge against Trump is a gross exaggeration.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said Thursday (11) that it was “clear and unequivocal” that Trump would be found not guilty.
I think the end result of the impeachment trial is clear to everyone,” Cruz said. …… Donald Trump will be acquitted.” “Everybody in the Senate knows there aren’t (that many) votes for conviction.”
Others who have publicly said Trump is not guilty include Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Roy Blunt (R-Miss.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), among others.
In a Thursday tweet, Graham wrote: “Voting for innocence is increasing as of today.” “I think most Republicans found the House impeachment manager’s speech offensive and absurd.”
The seven Republican senators who voted Trump guilty include Susan Collin of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, and Richard Burr of North Carolina.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have said they want the trial to end quickly so they can shift their focus to other matters, such as the confirmation vote for senior Biden administration officials and the COVID-19 bailout.
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