On the third day of President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, U.S. senators are meeting in the Capitol to hear the House Democrats’ arguments on why the president should be removed from office.
UTRGV political science Professor Terence Garrett recommends that students who are following the trial to know what is in the articles of impeachment.
“They should also look into whether or not it’s right,” Garrett said. “I mean, in terms of checks and balances between the branches, the three branches of government, right? Whether this fulfills that and in terms of a constitutional objective.”
Article I alleges Trump abused power by “solicited the interference” of Ukraine in the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, according to judiciary.house.gov.
“He did so through a scheme or course of conduct that included soliciting the Government of Ukraine to publicly announce investigations that would benefit his reelection, harm the election prospects of a political opponent, and influence the 2020 United States Presidential election to his advantage,” according to Article I.
Article II alleges Trump’s obstruction of Congress by “defiance of subpoenas issued by the House of Representatives pursuant to its ‘sole Power of Impeachment.’”
Tuesday was the first day of the trial and the Senate voted on the trial rules and the amendments to allow witnesses and documents.
Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, and other House Democrats stated their case against Trump.
Asked how long the trial will last, Garrett replied “It’s undetermined. It could end today, could end by the end of the week, which I think is what the majority leader wants, or it could drag on for longer depending on whether or not they bring forward witnesses and, or, documents to examine.”
Computer science junior Jesus Perez said he does not think the Senate will remove Trump from office.
“I mean, I’m really disappointed in the Republican Senators because they should put their nation before their party.”
Garrett said the Senate needs 67 votes to convict Trump.
“There just simply aren’t going to be 67 votes to convict,” Garret said. “You have to have 67 to convict and then removed from office and they are nowhere near that. And there aren’t anywhere near enough for Republicans that will, regardless of whatever evidence is presented, that will do that to a Republican president, even Trump.”
To view live video of the U.S. Senate Impeachment Trial, visit https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1220407713206849539?s=20.
