Trump, twice impeached
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Photo: House TV
With soldiers guarding the Capitol halls, Donald J. Trump became the first president in American history to be impeached twice.
By the numbers: The tally for history: 232-197, with 10 Republicans voting to impeach. (None voted to impeach last year.)
Why it matters: Real cracks are showing in Trump's GOP support.
- Top House Republican Kevin McCarthy, who opposed impeachment, said Trump "bears responsibility" for last week's insurrection.
- Top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell left open a path to conviction, saying he'll listen to the arguments when presented to the Senate.
Between the lines: Trump called for “no violence” in a statement to Fox News today.
- He had to distribute it via the media, White House statement and text message because he’s been suspended or banned from all major social media platforms.
What's next: The Senate trial will likely take place during the Biden administration, potentially changing the dynamics around conviction and removal.
- McConnell won't be calling back the Senate ahead of Jan. 19.
- His team thinks the idea that Trump could be convicted and removed from office before the inauguration is a fantasy, sources tell Axios' Alayna Treene.
- The Senate trial requires much more logistical planning than the House impeachment.
- That includes drafting and passing a resolution for what the Senate’s order of business will look like, walk-throughs in the chamber, and contacting the Supreme Court chief justice, who will preside.
- A huge issue for McConnell, and one of the main reasons he declined reconvening for an emergency session, is avoiding conflicting with the all-hands-on-deck security slated for the inauguration.
The bottom line: A year ago this week, Trump's first impeachment trial began. A week ago today, a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol. A week from today, Joe Biden will be president.
