The second impeachment trial of 45 (Trump) is set to begin today, continuing through at least next week in a tedious schedule. The basis of the trial is due to 45’s incitement of the violent and deadly January 6th attack on the Capitol.
What We Know:
45 is the first United States President to be impeached twice leading to this second impeachment trial. Resolution ALB21257 was passed on Monday with bipartisan agreement between Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. He was acquitted in his first impeachment trial on charges of abuse of power and obstruction, with charges of inciting a riot in this second impeachment trial. The majority of Republican representatives are against the impeachment trial and plan to debate the constitutionality of the trial today.
The Schedule:
(All times are in Eastern Standard Time)
Tuesday 1 PM:
Begins with four hours of arguments regarding the constitutionality of the trial. If the majority of Senators vote “nay,” then the impeachment charges will be dismissed. If the majority vote “yea,” which is expected, then the trial will continue as scheduled.
Wednesday:
9 AM – Deadline for motions to be filed by House Representatives and 45, “with the exception of motions to subpoena witnesses or documents or any other evidentiary motions.”
11 AM – Deadline for responses to filed motions
12 PM – Arguments on filed motions begin with each side having the freedom to select how many people present their arguments. The Senate will then vote on any motions as necessary. If motions are filed, the House of Representatives’ arguments will begin following the handling of said arguments.
If no motions are filed, the House of Representatives will begin arguments at 12 PM, with up to 16 hours of arguments allowed across two days, with eight hours allowed per day.
Thursday – Sunday:
Arguments continue with 45 and his team beginning their 16-hour window of allotted argument time after the House of Representatives concludes their arguments.
Due to a religious exception request by a member of 45’s legal team, no arguments will extend beyond Friday at 5 PM and will reconvene at 2 PM Sunday. The religious request was approved but withdrawn and may cause schedule adjustments as needed.
Next Monday (Potentially Sooner) – Who Knows!:
Senators have four hours to question both parties, after which one hour is provided to both sides to argue on the matter of subpoenaing supporting witnesses or documents. The Senate will then vote on this matter after the arguments from both sides.
If the “yeas” have it, witnesses and documents will go through a deposition, or preliminary out-of-court testimony and swearing-in, process. Another resolution will then be required if either party is permitted to subpoena witnesses or documents in order to allow for “provisions for the admission of evidence, issuance of subpoenas, arrangements for depositions, other appropriate discovery, testimony by witnesses.”
If no witnesses are to be subpoenaed, the House of Representatives will submit and argue for materials to be admitted into evidence for the Senate to vote on. After this is complete, 45 and his team will have an opportunity to do the same.
After this process is complete, if no further action or motions are required, each party will get two hours each for concluding arguments upon which the Senate will vote on the article of impeachment.
What’s needed for Conviction?
For 45 to be convicted, potentially losing the ability to run for president again as well as other post-term benefits, two-thirds of the Senate must vote “yea. In other words, 17 Republicans must join Democrats in voting for impeachment conviction.
Who’s Presiding?
Chief Justice John Roberts opted not to preside over the trial as he did the first impeachment trial since 45 is no longer a sitting president. In his absence, Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy will preside over the trial.
Where Can I Watch/Listen?
Here of course! We will stream the impeachment trial every day in the Black News Alerts and BossFM apps.
To listen live, click here or watch live in the BNA app or here. We will also keep you updated with more information each day following the trial.
