Trump announces legal defense team for Senate impeachment trial
What's the story
Former US President Donald Trump has announced his legal defense team for his Senate impeachment trial which is scheduled to begin on February 8. Trump became the first President in US history to be impeached twice when ten of his Republican Congressmen joined Democrats in the House of Representatives on January 13 to charge him with inciting an unprecedented insurrection at the US Capitol.
Defense legal team
Trial lawyers David Schoen and Bruce L Castor Jr. named
Trial lawyers David Schoen and Bruce L Castor Jr. will head Trump's impeachment defense legal team, bringing national profiles and significant trial experience in high-profile cases to the effort, according to a statement issued by the office of former President Trump. "It is an honor to represent the 45th President, Donald J Trump, and the United States Constitution," said Schoen.
Representation
Schoen and Castor agree that Trump's impeachment is unconstitutional: Statement
"Notably, Schoen has already been working with Trump and other advisors to prepare for the upcoming trial, and both Schoen and Castor agree that this impeachment is unconstitutional - a fact 45 Senators voted in agreement last week," the statement said. To recall, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had informed that the US Senate will begin Trump's impeachment trial on February 8.
Quote
A privilege to represent the 45th President: Castor
"I consider it a privilege to represent the 45th President. The strength of our Constitution is about to be tested like never before in our history. It is strong and resilient...and it will triumph over partisanship yet again, and always," Castor said.
Impeachment trial
Likely to be acquitted by the Senate for second time
Democrats need two-thirds of the vote for the Senate impeachment. If convicted, Trump could face being barred from ever holding office again. Trump is the first US President to face an impeachment trial after leaving the presidency. This is for the second time in a year that he is likely to be acquitted by the Senate, as the Democrats do not have enough votes.
Information
Democrats need at least 17 Republican Senators votes
Currently, both the Democrats and the Republicans have 50 members each in the 100-seat Senate. The Democrats need the support of at least 17 Republican Senators to reach the two-thirds majority mark.
Impeachment
Trump was impeached for 'incitement of insurrection'
In a bipartisan vote on January 13, the Democratic-controlled House impeached 74-year-old Trump for "incitement of insurrection" for his actions on January 6, when he delivered a speech inciting his supporters to storm the US Capitol. The violence temporarily halted the counting of Electoral College votes and resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including a police officer.