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Trump, Donald

Impeachment Trial of Donald Trump: Democrats Push Ahead as Republicans Debate Constitutionality

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As Democrats prepare for the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, they argue that there is a "compelling" case for convicting him of inciting an insurrection. The trial is set to begin on February 9, and Democrats are confident that they will present a strong case against Trump. Meanwhile, Republicans are divided on the issue, with some arguing that an impeachment trial for a former president is unconstitutional.

Key Takeaways:

  • The impeachment trial is expected to begin on February 9, with House impeachment managers planning to send an article of impeachment to the Senate on Monday, alleging "incitement of insurrection" after a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6.
  • Democrats argue that there is a "compelling" case for convicting Trump of inciting an insurrection, citing the fact that he stood in front of a mob and told them to go to the Capitol and invade.
  • Republicans are divided on the issue, with some arguing that an impeachment trial for a former president is unconstitutional. Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) called a second impeachment trial of Trump "stupid" and "bad for America."
  • Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) argued that there is a constitutional argument for holding a trial, while Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) refused to say outright that the election was not stolen, perpetuating the falsehood that fueled the Capitol riots.
  • Democrats are hopeful that an increasing number of Republican senators will come to the same view as the 10 GOP House members who voted for impeachment, with Representative Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) saying that the fact that 10 GOP House members voted for impeachment gives her hope that an increasing number of Republican senators will come to the same view.
  • Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced last Friday that the trial would start on February 9 after reaching a deal with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that will allow the Senate to focus on President Biden's agenda and also for Trump to put together a defense.

Statistics:

  • 10 GOP House members voted for impeachment, a historically high number.
  • The impeachment trial is expected to last longer than the Senate's first impeachment trial of Trump last January, which ended in an acquittal after three weeks.
  • A report from the New York Times revealed that Trump had considered a plan to oust the acting attorney general to install an official more open to pursuing the baseless allegations that the election had been rigged for Biden.
  • Trump's support among a majority of the 168 Republican National Committee members remains strong, with members of the committee continuing to argue that an impeachment trial should be abandoned for the sake of "unity."

Sources:

  • Amy Wang, Josh Dawsey, and Amy Goldstein, "Impeachment trial of Donald Trump: Democrats push ahead as Republicans debate constitutionality," The Washington Post, February 7, 2021.
  • Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), "Fox News Sunday," February 7, 2021.
  • Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), "This Week," ABC, February 7, 2021.
  • Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), "Meet the Press," NBC, February 7, 2021.
  • Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), "Fox News," February 7, 2021.
  • Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), "State of the Union," CNN, February 7, 2021.
  • Sens. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), agreement announced on February 5, 2021.

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