The U.S. Senate acquitted Donald Trump on Saturday, saving him from conviction at his second impeachment trial. Trump’s second impeachment comes just a year after the first, making him the first U.S. president to be impeached twice.
The Senate voted 57-43 in favor of convicting the former president of inciting the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the capitol, but a two-thirds majority was needed to confirm the charge. Seven of the 50 Republican senators crossed party lines to join Democrats in voting in favor of the conviction, according to Reuters, an international news organization.
The Associated Press (AP), an American non-profit news agency, pointed out that the trial was unique in that the entire Senate served as jurors despite being targets of the crime. The trial lasted four days, from Feb. 9 to Feb. 13.
Senators heard arguments from House impeachment managers and Trump’s lawyers. They then had up to four hours to question lawyers on both sides, but did so by writing their questions on note cards that were read out by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), according to The Washington Post, an American daily newspaper. No witnesses were called upon to testify before deliberation began.
The decision to acquit Trump for a second time has added to the polarization between political parties as some feel the former president was not held responsible for his actions while others argue the trial after itself was unconstitutional since he left office, or that Trump had no connections to the riot. The decision also allows for Trump to run for office again in 2024.
While the acquittal does not immediately hold Trump responsible for the violence at the capitol, many politicians are eager to protect American democracy from similar future threats and are pushing for an investigation into the event and those involved as the substance of the charge is not up for debate, according to Reuters.
President Joe Biden reinforced this idea as he responded to the impeachment verdict.
“This sad chapter in our history has reminded us that democracy is fragile,” Biden said, according to Reuters. “That it must always be defended. That we must be ever vigilant. That violence and extremism has no place in America. And that each of us has a duty and responsibility as Americans, and especially as leaders, to defend the truth and to defeat the lies.”
While political leaders across the board are moving their focus to a thorough investigation into the riot, Trump seems to have plans to remain in the political arena. He released a statement after the vote:
“In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people,” he said, according to AP.
Headline photo: A National Guardsmen walks at the U.S. Capitol on day two of Trump’s second impeachment trial, Feb. 10, 2021. Photo credit: Reuters, Kevin Lamarque.