Daily US Times: Donald Trump’s historic second impeachment trial is an undertaking like no other in US history, the defeated former president charged by the House with inciting violent attack on the US Capitol to overturn the election in what prosecutors argue is the “most grievous constitutional crime.”
Lawyers of Mr Trump insist as the second trial opens on Tuesday that he is not guilty on the sole charge of “incitement of insurrection,” his fiery speech just a figure of speech, even as he encouraged a rally crowd to “fight like hell” for his presidency. The Capitol siege on January 6 stunned the world as rioters violently stormed the building to try to stop the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Five people, including a police officer died.
No witnesses are expected to be called in the impeachment trial, in part because the senators sworn as jurors, forced to flee for safety, will be presented with graphic videos recorded that day.
Holed up at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Donald Trump has declined a request to testify.
The first president to be twice impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors while in office and to face charges after leaving office, Trump continues to challenge the country’s civic norms and traditions even in defeat.
Security remains extremely high at the Capitol. While acquittal is likely, the impeachment trial will test the country’s attitude toward his brand of presidential power, the Democrats’ resolve in pursuing him, and the loyalty of Trump’s Republican allies defending him.
You may read: Trump lawyers deny he encouraged riots in Capitol building
