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Ex-presidents

Impeachment Trial Begins as Senate Convenes Amid Threats and Tensions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Senate's impeachment trial of former President Trump is set to begin, with House managers accusing him of inciting an insurrection by spreading false stories of election fraud. The trial comes as Congress remains on edge amid new threats against lawmakers, with thousands of National Guard surrounding the Capitol and law enforcement warning of violent threats. The Senate is divided, with 17 Republicans needed to convict Trump, but so far none have indicated they would do so. Constitutional scholars acknowledge a former President can be impeached, but some Republicans call the trial an unconstitutional sham.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate's impeachment trial of former President Trump is set to begin in two weeks, with House managers accusing him of inciting an insurrection.
  • Eighty-year-old Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont will preside over the proceedings, which is allowed by the Constitution.
  • Seventeen Republicans are needed to convict Trump, but so far none have indicated they would do so.
  • Constitutional scholars acknowledge a former President can be impeached, but some Republicans call the trial an unconstitutional sham.
  • New threats against lawmakers involved in the impeachment trial have put Congress on edge, with law enforcement sources warning of talk of attacking members of Congress online.
  • Five thousand National Guard will remain in Washington through March as a precaution.
  • Nearly one hundred forty police officers were injured during the January 6th riot at the Capitol.
  • All one hundred senators will be sworn in as impeachment jurors and a summons will be sent to President Trump.

Statistics:

  • 17 Republicans are needed to convict Trump in the Senate.
  • 5,000 National Guard will remain in Washington through March.
  • 140 police officers were injured during the January 6th riot at the Capitol.
  • 1,000 senators will be sworn in as impeachment jurors.
  • 1 former President Trump will be on trial amidst allegations of inciting an insurrection.

Sources:

  • Kravis Van Cleave, CBS News Congressional Correspondent
  • Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas)
  • Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida)
  • Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York/Senate Majority Leader)
  • Norah O'Donnell, CBS News Anchor

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