Trump Was Impeached, Again — What Happens Next?
What a second impeachment means for the disgraced president, and when he’ll face trial.
On Wednesday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives impeached Donald Trump for a second time. In a final vote of 232 to 197, which saw 10 Republicans side with the House’s 222 Democrats, the outgoing president was charged with “incitement of insurrection” for his role in inspiring last week’s attack on the Capitol.
Despite the significant stain a second impeachment leaves on Trump’s record, he may not face the consequences many hope for. A now-deleted viral tweet claimed that impeachment would render the president unable to run for office again, among other repercussions. However, the article of impeachment must first go to trial before the Senate, which will ultimately determine whether Trump is guilty. A 2/3 majority vote is required to formally convict him, but even a guilty verdict doesn’t necessarily bar him from running for office in 2024. According to CNN, senators would have to cast an additional vote to prevent the second Trump presidency.
It’s not yet clear when the Senate impeachment trial will be held. Yesterday, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said proceedings won’t commence until January 19, the last day of Trump’s term, if not later. Once the trial begins, it will take several days, if not weeks, for both the House and the outgoing president’s lawyers to make their cases.
Stay tuned for updates on Trump’s impeachment and what it means for the disgraced president.
