Donald Trump impeachment trial: 45 Republican senators vote against
Kentucky Republican Senator Rand Paul, September 24, 2020. REUTERS - POOL
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
US senators were sworn in on Tuesday January 26 as jurors ahead of Donald Trump's trial.
This will begin in two weeks to give the former president time to prepare his defense, and for the upper house to confirm the appointment of members of Joe Biden's cabinet.
Publicity
Read more
With our correspondent in Washington,
Anne Corpet
Seventeen Republicans would have to side with the Democrats for Donald Trump to be sentenced at the end of this trial.
But few elected officials of this party will dare to challenge the former tenant of the White House, still very popular among the conservative electorate.
In any case, this is indicated by a procedural vote on Tuesday.
Standing with raised right hands, senators swear to serve justice impartially during the impeachment trial.
But barely his oath taken, Rand Paul, elected Kentucky, challenges the procedure.
“
Since noon last Wednesday, Donald Trump has not occupied any position listed in the Constitution.
He is a private citizen.
I therefore file an objection.
This procedure violates the Constitution and is not in conformity.
"
Chuck Schumer, leader of the new Democratic majority, immediately retorts: "
The theory that the impeachment of a former official is unconstitutional is completely wrong, whatever the analysis
: from the point of view of the constitutional context, of the historical practice, and most basic common sense.
"
Rand Paul's objection is put to a vote: 45 Republicans out of 50 join him to challenge the legality of Donald Trump's trial.
Among them, Mitch McConnell who nevertheless recognized the responsibility of the former president in the riots on the Capitol.
Only five elected Republicans rallied the Democrats.
It will take 17 to obtain the conviction of the president at the end of the trial.
It seems more and more unlikely.
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
google-play-badge_FR
United States
Donald trump