Feb 3, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Republicans officially have votes to acquit Trump in Senate trial

Fadel Allassan

Mitch McConnell gives a thumbs up. — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

President Trump officially has the votes in the Senate to secure an acquittal in his impeachment trial on Wednesday, according to a whip count by Politico that analyzed public statements by members of the chamber.

Where it stands: More than 34 senators have stated they will vote to acquit the president, meaning Democrats won't have the two-thirds majority they need to remove Trump from office.

The big picture: Acquittal has always been a near certainty since the articles were transmitted by the House, where not a single Republican voted in favor of impeachment.

"If there’s any suspense at all, it’s over whether a handful of centrist senators will break with their parties on one or both of the impeachment articles," according to Politico.

What's new: A number of senators confirmed on Monday they would vote no on Trump's removal, including Sens. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and John Thune (R-S.D.)

The offices of Sens. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) also confirmed to Politico that they'd vote to acquit.

Go deeper ... Live updates: Closing arguments begin in impeachment trial

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Republicans officially have votes to acquit Trump in Senate trial

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