National News

Former President Trump Acquitted in Second Impeachment Trial

President Donald Trump speaks outside the White House in this still image taken from a social media video released Oct. 8, 2020, in which he describes his treatment for COVID-19 with an experimental antibody drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. (CNS photo/@realDonaldTrump via Reuters)

WINDSOR TERRACE — In a 57-to-43 vote, the U.S. Senate acquitted former President Donald Trump on an impeachment charge of inciting an insurrection last month. This is the second time Trump has been acquitted in an impeachment trial.

On Jan. 6, thousands of Trump supporters stormed and breached the U.S. Capitol as lawmakers were inside certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election. Five people died that day, including a Capitol police officer.

Sixty-seven votes, or two-thirds of the senators, were needed to convict Trump. But, only 57 senators present voted in favor of conviction, including seven Republicans — Richard Burr of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.

On Jan. 13, a week after the riot took place, the House approved an article of impeachment, with 10 Republicans joining all Democrats in favor of the resolution. The impeachment trial began on Feb. 9 and lasted five days, coming to a close on Feb. 13 after the Senate decided to not call forth any witnesses.

Had Trump been convicted in this trial, a majority of senators could have then voted to prevent him from holding office again. This verdict, however, means Trump could possibly run again for president in the future.

Trump is the first president in American history to be impeached by the House twice, and the first to be tried for impeachment after leaving office.