57-43 vote in Senate reflects split opinion across US over Capitol attack impeachment
- Senate Republicans stand by their man and Trump wins second acquittal
- McConnell savages Trump – minutes after voting to acquit
- Critics condemn Trump acquittal as racist vote
- Biden urges vigilance to defend ‘fragile’ democracy
- Sign up to receive First Thing – our daily briefing by email
It is still Donald Trump’s Republican Party – at least for now. That’s the view of Reuters’ John Whitesides.
He writes that the former president – who has largely stayed out of sight at his Florida home since leaving the White House – still commands fervent loyalty among his supporters, forcing most Republican politicians to pledge their fealty and fear his wrath.
Our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun. In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people. There has never been anything like it! We have so much work ahead of us, and soon we will emerge with a vision for a bright, radiant, and limitless American future.
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said on Saturday that Donald Trump was ‘practically and morally responsible’ for the insurrection at the US Capitol on 6 January – minutes after voting to acquit the former president in his impeachment trial for that very same act.
His argument, that it was not right for the Senate to impeach a former office holder, was roundly criticised. It was McConnell himself who refused to reconvene the Senate to hear the charges against Trump earlier in January when he was still in office.
