In January 2021, the Democrats file another lawsuit against Donald Trump. They initiate impeachment proceedings against the president, who has already been voted out of office.
Background: On the 6th of January 2021, the members of the American Congress gather to officially confirm the election of Joe Biden as President of the United States of America. However, the ceremony is disrupted when an agitated, violent crowd storm and occupy the Capitol building. Five people died as a result of the riots, including a police officer who was trying to protect the Capitol. At a rally shortly before, Donald Trump had angrily claimed that his election victory had been stolen from him.
On the floor of the House of Representatives, Democratic lawmakers presented their accusations against Donald Trump. They charge him with „incitement to riot“ and back up their accusations with videotapes and detailed accounts from those involved in the storming of the Capitol.
The prosecution presents tweets and video messages written and recorded by Donald Trump in which Trump praises his supporters, repeats his claims of election fraud and justifies this violence. This, they say, shows that Trump has incited his supporters to violence and rioting.
It was not until the following day that the former president condemned the violence, but he never apologised for it, instead describing his speech as „entirely appropriate“.
Donald Trump’s defence lawyers state that the ex-president was only freely expressing his opinion and disappointment about the election loss. Many Republican members of parliament argue that the whole impeachment proceedings are not constitutional because Donald Trump is no longer in office. Most lawyers disagree with this assessment.
In the proceedings of an impeachment of a president of the United States of America, the Senate assumes the role of a court and decides about the claim. The Republican-dominated Senate decides on acquittal of Donald Trump.
To the German translation of this artile: Zweites Verfahren zur Amtsenthebung von Donald Trump