U.S. Senate moves forward with Trump’s historic second impeachment trial

House prosecutors argue there is no “January Exception.”

Natalie Willis, Editor-in-Chief • February 10, 2021

U.S. Senate moves forward with Trump’s historic second impeachment trial

Photo courtesy of Nathan Scott

The impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump began Feb. 10 with 16 hours allotted to each side to present their arguments over the course of two days. A two-thirds majority is required to convict Trump in the 100-seat Senate.

As the trial takes place, President Joe Biden says he will not be watching it, claiming that the Senate has their job and he has his.

DAY ONE

On Feb. 9, the majority of the Senate voted in favor of the second impeachment of Donald Trump. The Senate vote was 56-44, with six Republicans declaring the trial as constitutional.

The Capitol riots on Jan. 6 urged the House of Representatives to impeach former President Trump with the lead House impeachment manager, Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin, sharing a video depicting scenes from the riots at the start of the Senate hearing.

On Jan. 31, lawyers Bruce Castor and David Schoen were announced as Trump’s defense team. Castor opened the defense team’s argument by detailing the First Amendment right of freedom of speech in reference to Trump’s alleged involvement in the Capitol riots.

DAY TWO

Opening the second day of the impeachment trial, Raskin claimed Trump was not an innocent party in the Capitol riots and even encouraged the attack. Prosecutors revealed new footage from the U.S. Capitol’s security cameras the day the riots occurred. The footage showed rioters breaking windows and injuring multiple police officers.

The House’s argument has relied on graphic videos and emotional arguments to convict Trump with the charge “incitement of insurrection.” The House managers will complete their prosecution Feb. 11.

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About the Contributors

Natalie Willis, Editor-in-Chief

Natalie Willis is a junior journalism major who loves golden retrievers, Wes Anderson movies and rainy days. Hi! I am from Bakersfield, CA, land of cows and oil rigs. Growing up on a farm with a veterinarian father, I assumed I would follow in his footsteps to pursue a career in agriculture. God had other plans. Reluctantly, I listened but had every intention to switch my major from journalism to pretty much anything else. Half way through my freshman year, I was working on a portfolio project which involved pitching ideas, interviewing sources and telling a story—suddenly, everything clicked into place. I loved what I was doing, who I was meeting and where I thought I could go. God has a way of telling us we are on the right path and I have felt that throughout my college career. Three years ago, if someone told me I would be the editor-in-chief of a student news publication I would have politely advised them to seek counseling. Now, I cannot imagine a life without tight story deadlines and strict adherence to AP style. I am so excited to lead The Chimes this year as we enter into a new era of print media.

Nathan Scott, Photo Editor