Trump impeachment trial: McConnell says he doesn’t have votes to block new witnesses

The Senate majority leader privately told other senators Tuesday that he does not have the votes needed to block new witnesses from being called to the impeachment trial.

By Associated Press

Lisa Mascaro

In this image from video, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., speaks during the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told senators privately Tuesday he does not yet have the votes to block new witnesses in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial.

That’s according to a Republican familiar with a closed-door meeting of GOP senators and granted anonymity to discuss it.

McConnell convened the meeting shortly after Trump’s legal team made its closing arguments in the trial.

At this point, the GOP leader faces a handful of potential defections. But there are still several days before any potential witness vote would be taken.

A decision to call more witnesses would need 51 votes to pass. With a 53-seat majority, Republicans can only afford to lose three Republicans to prevent more debate over witnesses.

In This Stream

Trump impeachment hearings over Ukraine collusion allegations

Gordon Sondland latest official removed by Trump after acquittal

Trump impeachment witness Alexander Vindman escorted out of White House

Senate acquits Donald Trump of all charges

View all 52 Stories

Next Up In Washington

What a TikTok ban in the US could mean for you

Biden signs a $95 billion war aid measure that forces TikTok to be sold or banned in the U.S.

April Perry's bid to be city's first female top federal prosecutor to end, Biden will tap her to be federal judge

Makeover of O'Hare's Terminal 3 takes off as airlines mull deal on expansion, Global Terminal

Terry Anderson, AP reporter abducted in Lebanon and held captive for years, has died at 76