Jan 16, 2020

Chief Justice John Roberts swears in senators for impeachment trial

After being sworn in by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on Thursday, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administered an oath for all senators to deliver "impartial justice" in the impeachment trial of President Trump.

Why it matters: The ceremony kicks off a period in which senators will not be permitted to speak to each other or bring electronic devices onto the Senate floor.

Several Republican senators, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), have sparked controversy by stating that they will not be impartial jurors.
McConnell will recess the substantive part of the trial — opening arguments and the Q&A period — until Tuesday in order to give House managers and Trump's defense team a few days to prepare.

What they're saying: The oath, which dates back to the 1700s, reads: “I solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: So help me God."

Go deeper: House paves way for new evidence in impeachment trial

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David Nather, Margaret Talev

What matters: Trump trial edition

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios. Photo: Nicholas Kamm/Getty Contributor

Yes, we know how this is going to end. But some developments along the way to President Trump’s acquittal will matter more than others and leave a lasting impact long after the trial ends.

The big picture: We’re all going to be flooded with information and distractions over the course of the trial. Here’s what deserves your attention.

Go deeperUpdated Jan 22, 2020

Axios

Trump impeachment trial recap, day 11: Closing arguments conclude

Rep. Adam Schiff at closing arguments. Photo: Senate Television via Getty Images

House managers and President Trump's defense team presented their closing arguments on Monday during the 11th day of the president's Senate impeachment trial.

The state of the play: The four hours of closing arguments were more for show than meant to change any minds, as Trump is all but certain to be acquitted on Wednesday.

Go deeperFeb 3, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Alayna Treene, Orion Rummler

McConnell changes rules for Senate impeachment trial

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell walks back to the Senate through the Capitol Rotunda. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell revised the terms for President Trump's impeachment trial during Tuesday's proceedings, after his office released the organizing resolution on Monday.

What's new: The House record will be admitted as evidence, but each side retains the ability to raise motions regarding what can be added or struck as evidence, a McConnell spokesperson told Axios. House Democratic managers and Trump's defense team will be given up to 24 hours over three days to present their cases, instead of the two days in McConnell's original draft.

Go deeperUpdated Jan 21, 2020