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Impeachment trial live updates: Senators gird for spirited debate over rules governing Trump’s historic trial Impeachment trial live updates: Senators gird for spirited debate over rules governing Trump’s historic trial
(30 minutes later)
Senators are girding for a spirited debate Tuesday over the rules that will guide the impeachment trial of President Trump — just the third in history of a U.S. president — focused on his conduct toward Ukraine.Senators are girding for a spirited debate Tuesday over the rules that will guide the impeachment trial of President Trump — just the third in history of a U.S. president — focused on his conduct toward Ukraine.
When it reconvenes, the chamber will take up a resolution proposed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that seeks a swift trial. Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (N.Y.), have panned the proposal, arguing it is part of an effort to “cover up” Trump’s dealings. On Tuesday, the House impeachment managers urged the Senate to reject McConnell’s rules.When it reconvenes, the chamber will take up a resolution proposed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that seeks a swift trial. Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (N.Y.), have panned the proposal, arguing it is part of an effort to “cover up” Trump’s dealings. On Tuesday, the House impeachment managers urged the Senate to reject McConnell’s rules.
The impeachment charges center on the allegation that Trump withheld military aid and a White House meeting to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political rivals, including former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.The impeachment charges center on the allegation that Trump withheld military aid and a White House meeting to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political rivals, including former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.
●White House calls for Trump acquittal in ‘rigged’ impeachment as Senate prepares for quick trial.●White House calls for Trump acquittal in ‘rigged’ impeachment as Senate prepares for quick trial.
●Trump’s lawyers, Senate GOP allies work privately to ensure former national security adviser John Bolton does not testify publicly.●Trump’s lawyers, Senate GOP allies work privately to ensure former national security adviser John Bolton does not testify publicly.
●Republicans rally behind Trump as Senate impeachment trial begins.●Republicans rally behind Trump as Senate impeachment trial begins.
The Senate impeachment trial process | The impeachment managers | Which senators support removing Trump | Trump’s legal team brief | House Democrats’ responseThe Senate impeachment trial process | The impeachment managers | Which senators support removing Trump | Trump’s legal team brief | House Democrats’ response
When it comes to Trump’s trial, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) suggested Tuesday that some Democratic presidential candidates may join Republicans in seeking “to get it done as quickly as possible.”
Four senators running for the Democratic nomination are sitting as jurors in the trial, meaning their time on the campaign trail will be largely curtailed ahead of the first nominating contests in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Cornyn made his comments during an interview on Fox News in which he also pushed back on claims by Democrats that a speedy trial amounts to a coverup of Trump’s conduct.
“It strikes to me that they’re a little nervous,” Cornyn said.
Democrats intent on unseating Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins want to make the Senate impeachment trial as much an indictment of her as it is of Trump.
With the trial beginning in earnest Tuesday, an activist group plans to broadcast videos of Collins on a billboard truck outside the Capitol contrasting her comments during the 1999 Clinton impeachment and today, particularly regarding whether to call witnesses.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee created a website called “What’s Changed Susan?” to highlight her comments in favor of needing more evidence then versus now.
Collins, a moderate Republican in a state that leans Democrat, is in the most difficult reelection battle of her career. Maine is a state Republicans are eager to hold as they defend seats in Arizona, Colorado and North Carolina, and it’s one Democrats would need to flip to take over the Senate.
Read more here.
In a letter Tuesday to White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, the House impeachment managers suggested he may have a conflict that should keep him from representing Trump in the Senate trial.In a letter Tuesday to White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, the House impeachment managers suggested he may have a conflict that should keep him from representing Trump in the Senate trial.
The House managers noted several instances in which it appeared that Cipollone was aware of Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine for which the president has been impeached.The House managers noted several instances in which it appeared that Cipollone was aware of Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine for which the president has been impeached.
“In light of your extensive knowledge of these key events, your personal representation of President Trump threatens to undermine the integrity of the pending trial,” the managers said. “You may be a material witness to the charges against President Trump even though you are also his advocate.”“In light of your extensive knowledge of these key events, your personal representation of President Trump threatens to undermine the integrity of the pending trial,” the managers said. “You may be a material witness to the charges against President Trump even though you are also his advocate.”
The managers, led by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), said that at a minimum Cipollone should disclose “all facts and information as to which you have first-hand knowledge that will be at issue in connection with evidence you present or arguments you make in your role as the President’s legal advocate.” The managers, led by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), said that at a minimum, Cipollone should disclose “all facts and information as to which you have first-hand knowledge that will be at issue in connection with evidence you present or arguments you make in your role as the President’s legal advocate.”
Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Tex.), one of the House members aiding Trump’s legal team, predicted Tuesday that there will be no witnesses in the Senate trial.Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Tex.), one of the House members aiding Trump’s legal team, predicted Tuesday that there will be no witnesses in the Senate trial.
Ratcliffe argued during an appearance on Fox News that the House impeachment proceedings were so flawed that new witnesses would not “inject fairness” into the process.Ratcliffe argued during an appearance on Fox News that the House impeachment proceedings were so flawed that new witnesses would not “inject fairness” into the process.
“I don’t think there are going to be any witnesses called,” Ratcliffe said. “The Senate isn’t going to be able to fix what happened in the House.”“I don’t think there are going to be any witnesses called,” Ratcliffe said. “The Senate isn’t going to be able to fix what happened in the House.”
How Mitch McConnell’s proposed Senate trial will work
Ratcliffe also did not rule out that he and other House members helping Trump’s legal team could make arguments on the floor. While the plan is for them not to appear, “you never know what’s going to happen during a trial,” he said.Ratcliffe also did not rule out that he and other House members helping Trump’s legal team could make arguments on the floor. While the plan is for them not to appear, “you never know what’s going to happen during a trial,” he said.
Trump dismissed his impeachment as “a hoax” as he attended the World Economic Forum on Tuesday in Davos, Switzerland. After delivering a speech to the gathering, Trump was holding a bilateral meeting with the new European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, when a reporter shouted a question about a potential motion to dismiss in the impeachment trial.
After delivering a speech to the gathering, Trump was holding a bilateral meeting with the new European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen when a reporter shouted a question about a potential motion to dismiss in the impeachment trial.
“That whole thing is a hoax,” Trump replied. “It goes nowhere because nothing happened. The only thing we’ve done is a great job. … That whole thing is a total hoax, so I’m sure it’s going to work out fine.”“That whole thing is a hoax,” Trump replied. “It goes nowhere because nothing happened. The only thing we’ve done is a great job. … That whole thing is a total hoax, so I’m sure it’s going to work out fine.”
The seven House impeachment managers issued a statement Tuesday calling on the Senate to reject McConnell’s proposed trial rules, saying it could produce “no trial at all.”The seven House impeachment managers issued a statement Tuesday calling on the Senate to reject McConnell’s proposed trial rules, saying it could produce “no trial at all.”
“The McConnell Resolution goes so far as to suggest it may not even allow the evidence gathered by the House to be admitted,” the statement said. “That is not a fair trial. In fact, it is no trial at all.”“The McConnell Resolution goes so far as to suggest it may not even allow the evidence gathered by the House to be admitted,” the statement said. “That is not a fair trial. In fact, it is no trial at all.”
The House managers also decried what they characterized as a “White House-driven and rigged process, with a truncated schedule designed to go late into the night and further conceal the President’s misconduct.”The House managers also decried what they characterized as a “White House-driven and rigged process, with a truncated schedule designed to go late into the night and further conceal the President’s misconduct.”
“There should be a fair trial — fair to the President, yes, but equally important, fair to the American people. Any Senator who wants the same, should reject the McConnell Resolution,” the managers said.“There should be a fair trial — fair to the President, yes, but equally important, fair to the American people. Any Senator who wants the same, should reject the McConnell Resolution,” the managers said.
The managers are Reps. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Val Demings (D-Fla.), Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Sylvia Garcia (D-Tex.).The managers are Reps. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Val Demings (D-Fla.), Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Sylvia Garcia (D-Tex.).
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) blasted McConnell’s proposed resolution on trial rules, saying it calls for an “absurdly compressed schedule” that amounts to “a cover-up for the President.”House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) blasted McConnell’s proposed resolution on trial rules, saying it calls for an “absurdly compressed schedule” that amounts to “a cover-up for the President.”
“Leader McConnell’s process is deliberately designed to hide the truth from the Senate and from the American people, because he knows that the President’s wrongdoing is indefensible and demands removal,” Pelosi said in a statement. “No jury would be asked to operate on McConnell’s absurdly compressed schedule, and it is obvious that no Senator who votes for it is intending to truly weigh the damning evidence of the President’s attacks on our Constitution.”“Leader McConnell’s process is deliberately designed to hide the truth from the Senate and from the American people, because he knows that the President’s wrongdoing is indefensible and demands removal,” Pelosi said in a statement. “No jury would be asked to operate on McConnell’s absurdly compressed schedule, and it is obvious that no Senator who votes for it is intending to truly weigh the damning evidence of the President’s attacks on our Constitution.”
Pelosi also accused McConnell of repeatedly lying in recent weeks when he said the rules for the Trump impeachment trial would mirror those for the trial of President Bill Clinton in 1999.Pelosi also accused McConnell of repeatedly lying in recent weeks when he said the rules for the Trump impeachment trial would mirror those for the trial of President Bill Clinton in 1999.
“For weeks, he has insisted that he will adhere to the rules used during the Clinton impeachment trial and that ‘fair is fair’ — but his proposal rejects the need for witnesses and documents during the trial itself,” Pelosi said. “In contrast, for the Clinton trial, witnesses were deposed and the President provided more than 90,000 documents.”“For weeks, he has insisted that he will adhere to the rules used during the Clinton impeachment trial and that ‘fair is fair’ — but his proposal rejects the need for witnesses and documents during the trial itself,” Pelosi said. “In contrast, for the Clinton trial, witnesses were deposed and the President provided more than 90,000 documents.”
McConnell has proposed decisions about witnesses and documents be put off until after senators hear opening arguments and have an opportunity to present questions to both sides.McConnell has proposed decisions about witnesses and documents be put off until after senators hear opening arguments and have an opportunity to present questions to both sides.
Schumer took issue Tuesday with McConnell’s plan for opening arguments to be compressed into two days, asserting that would lead to arguments being presented well into the night, when few Americans are watching.Schumer took issue Tuesday with McConnell’s plan for opening arguments to be compressed into two days, asserting that would lead to arguments being presented well into the night, when few Americans are watching.
“His resolution creates a trial that is rushed, with as little evidence as possible and done in the dark of night,” Schumer said during an appearance on MSNBC. “Why are they trying to do things at 2 in the morning? … If their case is so strong, why are they afraid to present it in the light of day?”“His resolution creates a trial that is rushed, with as little evidence as possible and done in the dark of night,” Schumer said during an appearance on MSNBC. “Why are they trying to do things at 2 in the morning? … If their case is so strong, why are they afraid to present it in the light of day?”
More broadly, Schumer accused McConnell of “totally, totally, totally going along with Trump’s coverup, hook, line and sinker.”More broadly, Schumer accused McConnell of “totally, totally, totally going along with Trump’s coverup, hook, line and sinker.”
He argued that a “farce” of a trial would embolden Trump and future presidents to engage in more misconduct.He argued that a “farce” of a trial would embolden Trump and future presidents to engage in more misconduct.
“I worry about what this president will do in the next 10 months and what future presidents will do,” Schumer said. “This is very serious stuff, and to not have a fair trial is wrong.”“I worry about what this president will do in the next 10 months and what future presidents will do,” Schumer said. “This is very serious stuff, and to not have a fair trial is wrong.”
Senators are girding for a spirited debate over the rules that will guide Trump’s historic impeachment trial after it resumes at 1 p.m.Senators are girding for a spirited debate over the rules that will guide Trump’s historic impeachment trial after it resumes at 1 p.m.
McConnell’s organizing resolution, which he circulated late Monday afternoon, offers each side 24 hours to make its opening arguments, starting on Wednesday but compressed into two session days.McConnell’s organizing resolution, which he circulated late Monday afternoon, offers each side 24 hours to make its opening arguments, starting on Wednesday but compressed into two session days.
Under McConnell’s proposal, senators will be allowed 16 hours to question the opposing sides after House impeachment managers and Trump’s lawyers make their cases.Under McConnell’s proposal, senators will be allowed 16 hours to question the opposing sides after House impeachment managers and Trump’s lawyers make their cases.
After that, the sides will debate for a maximum of four hours on whether to consider subpoenaing witnesses or documents at all, followed by a vote on whether to do so. If a majority of senators agree, then there will probably be motions from both sides to call various witnesses, with subsequent votes on issuing subpoenas.After that, the sides will debate for a maximum of four hours on whether to consider subpoenaing witnesses or documents at all, followed by a vote on whether to do so. If a majority of senators agree, then there will probably be motions from both sides to call various witnesses, with subsequent votes on issuing subpoenas.
On Tuesday afternoon, Schumer is expected to move to amend the rule package to allow for witnesses and documents at the front end of the trial. On Monday, he called McConnell’s proposal “a national disgrace.”On Tuesday afternoon, Schumer is expected to move to amend the rule package to allow for witnesses and documents at the front end of the trial. On Monday, he called McConnell’s proposal “a national disgrace.”
A simple majority of senators — 51 votes — is needed to approve the resolution and other motions in the Republican-controlled Chamber.A simple majority of senators — 51 votes — is needed to approve the resolution and other motions in the Republican-controlled Chamber.
Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), one of the seven House impeachment managers, pushed back in an interview broadcast Tuesday against Republicans’ suggestions that Hunter Biden should be called as a witness in the impeachment trial.Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), one of the seven House impeachment managers, pushed back in an interview broadcast Tuesday against Republicans’ suggestions that Hunter Biden should be called as a witness in the impeachment trial.
Some GOP senators have suggested if Democrats get to call witnesses they want — including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney — Republicans should be able to call the Bidens. Hunter Biden served on the board of a Ukrainian energy company while his father was vice president.Some GOP senators have suggested if Democrats get to call witnesses they want — including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney — Republicans should be able to call the Bidens. Hunter Biden served on the board of a Ukrainian energy company while his father was vice president.
“Hunter Biden … can’t tell us anything about whether the president withheld military aid, whether he withheld that aid to coerce Ukraine to conduct political investigations or why he wouldn’t meet with the president of Ukraine,” Schiff told CBS. “The only purpose in putting him on their list is they wish to trade material witnesses like Mr. Bolton and Mulvaney and others for other ones that will allow them to continue to attack a political opponent. That’s an illegitimate abuse of the trial.”“Hunter Biden … can’t tell us anything about whether the president withheld military aid, whether he withheld that aid to coerce Ukraine to conduct political investigations or why he wouldn’t meet with the president of Ukraine,” Schiff told CBS. “The only purpose in putting him on their list is they wish to trade material witnesses like Mr. Bolton and Mulvaney and others for other ones that will allow them to continue to attack a political opponent. That’s an illegitimate abuse of the trial.”
The White House announced late Monday that eight of the president’s most ardent House Republican defenders would join the impeachment team in an adjunct capacity to “help expeditiously end this brazen political vendetta.”The White House announced late Monday that eight of the president’s most ardent House Republican defenders would join the impeachment team in an adjunct capacity to “help expeditiously end this brazen political vendetta.”
One of them, Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), went on the offense Tuesday morning against Democrats, claiming their characterization of McConnell’s proposed trial rules as a “coverup” amounts to the “height of a temper tantrum.”One of them, Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), went on the offense Tuesday morning against Democrats, claiming their characterization of McConnell’s proposed trial rules as a “coverup” amounts to the “height of a temper tantrum.”
During an appearance on Fox News, Collins also argued that Democrats are primarily interested in imposing “the stain” of impeachment on Trump to aid their fortunes in the November election.During an appearance on Fox News, Collins also argued that Democrats are primarily interested in imposing “the stain” of impeachment on Trump to aid their fortunes in the November election.
“They’re talking about it more as a political stain,” Collins aid.“They’re talking about it more as a political stain,” Collins aid.
The other GOP lawmakers aiding Trump are Reps. Mike Johnson (La.), Jim Jordan (Ohio), Debbie Lesko (Ariz.), Mark Meadows (N.C.), John Ratcliffe (Tex.), Elise Stefanik (N.Y.) and Lee Zeldin (N.Y.).The other GOP lawmakers aiding Trump are Reps. Mike Johnson (La.), Jim Jordan (Ohio), Debbie Lesko (Ariz.), Mark Meadows (N.C.), John Ratcliffe (Tex.), Elise Stefanik (N.Y.) and Lee Zeldin (N.Y.).
Here are the lawyers defending Trump in the Senate trialHere are the lawyers defending Trump in the Senate trial
“Throughout this process, these Members of Congress have provided guidance to the White House team, which was prohibited from participating in the proceedings concocted by Democrats in the House of Representatives,” White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement.“Throughout this process, these Members of Congress have provided guidance to the White House team, which was prohibited from participating in the proceedings concocted by Democrats in the House of Representatives,” White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement.
The House asked Trump to participate, but he declined to have lawyers represent him in impeachment proceedings before the House Judiciary Committee.The House asked Trump to participate, but he declined to have lawyers represent him in impeachment proceedings before the House Judiciary Committee.
DAVOS, Switzerland — Trump trumpeted what he called “America’s extraordinary prosperity” on his watch, taking credit for a soaring stock market, low unemployment, and a “blue collar boom” in jobs and income, in a presidential turn on the world stage also meant to make impeachment proceedings in Washington look small.DAVOS, Switzerland — Trump trumpeted what he called “America’s extraordinary prosperity” on his watch, taking credit for a soaring stock market, low unemployment, and a “blue collar boom” in jobs and income, in a presidential turn on the world stage also meant to make impeachment proceedings in Washington look small.
Trump ran through economic statistics with a salesman’s delivery, crowing about growth during his three years in office that he said bested his predecessors and defied his skeptics.Trump ran through economic statistics with a salesman’s delivery, crowing about growth during his three years in office that he said bested his predecessors and defied his skeptics.
“America is thriving, America is flourishing, and yes, America is winning again like never before,” Trump told an audience of billionaires, world leaders and figures from academia, the media and the kind of international organizations and think tanks for whom Trump’s “America First” nationalism is anathema.“America is thriving, America is flourishing, and yes, America is winning again like never before,” Trump told an audience of billionaires, world leaders and figures from academia, the media and the kind of international organizations and think tanks for whom Trump’s “America First” nationalism is anathema.
Trump is making his second visit to the World Economic Forum, which for its 50th anniversary this year is focusing on climate change and sustainability. A sign at the entrance to the press center notes that paint for this year’s installation was made from seaweed, and carpets from recycled fishing nets. The Trump administration is withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate agreement.Trump is making his second visit to the World Economic Forum, which for its 50th anniversary this year is focusing on climate change and sustainability. A sign at the entrance to the press center notes that paint for this year’s installation was made from seaweed, and carpets from recycled fishing nets. The Trump administration is withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate agreement.
Read more here.Read more here.
Those infuriating framers of the Constitution left behind only the thinnest inkling of their real thoughts about impeachment of the president and said nothing explicit about whether removal from office requires commission of a crime. Almost all the law professors who have researched the matter have concluded that the answer is no — no crime necessary.Those infuriating framers of the Constitution left behind only the thinnest inkling of their real thoughts about impeachment of the president and said nothing explicit about whether removal from office requires commission of a crime. Almost all the law professors who have researched the matter have concluded that the answer is no — no crime necessary.
It’s been the overwhelming consensus, impeachment scholar Philip C. Bobbitt of Columbia Law School told The Washington Post on Monday. And among those who accepted it was Alan Dershowitz, the fabled defense lawyer, now Harvard Law School professor emeritus and part of Trump’s impeachment defense team.It’s been the overwhelming consensus, impeachment scholar Philip C. Bobbitt of Columbia Law School told The Washington Post on Monday. And among those who accepted it was Alan Dershowitz, the fabled defense lawyer, now Harvard Law School professor emeritus and part of Trump’s impeachment defense team.
“It certainly doesn’t have to be a crime,” he said in a television interview in 1998, during the impeachment controversy surrounding President Bill Clinton. “If you have somebody who completely corrupts the office of the president and abuses trust and who poses great danger to our liberty, you don’t need a technical crime.”“It certainly doesn’t have to be a crime,” he said in a television interview in 1998, during the impeachment controversy surrounding President Bill Clinton. “If you have somebody who completely corrupts the office of the president and abuses trust and who poses great danger to our liberty, you don’t need a technical crime.”
Now, he has a different view. “Without a crime, there can be no impeachment,” he said on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, foreshadowing the formal brief presented Monday by Trump’s legal team to the Senate.Now, he has a different view. “Without a crime, there can be no impeachment,” he said on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, foreshadowing the formal brief presented Monday by Trump’s legal team to the Senate.
Then he got into one of his famous verbal brawls on CNN on Monday night. Host Anderson Cooper and the network’s chief legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin, confronted Dershowitz about his changed opinion. The resulting exchange wasn’t pretty.Then he got into one of his famous verbal brawls on CNN on Monday night. Host Anderson Cooper and the network’s chief legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin, confronted Dershowitz about his changed opinion. The resulting exchange wasn’t pretty.
Read more here.Read more here.
Sixty-nine percent of Americans say that Trump’s impeachment trial should include testimony from new witnesses who did not testify in the House impeachment inquiry, according to a poll for CNN conducted by SSRS.Sixty-nine percent of Americans say that Trump’s impeachment trial should include testimony from new witnesses who did not testify in the House impeachment inquiry, according to a poll for CNN conducted by SSRS.
Democrats are pressing for testimony from several witnesses who declined to take part in the House proceedings, including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.Democrats are pressing for testimony from several witnesses who declined to take part in the House proceedings, including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.
The CNN poll found that Republicans are divided on that prospect: 48 percent say they want new witnesses, while 44 percent say they do not.The CNN poll found that Republicans are divided on that prospect: 48 percent say they want new witnesses, while 44 percent say they do not.