Trump’s historic second impeachment after Capitol riots

Former President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House for a historic second time on Jan. 13, charged with “incitement of insurrection” over the deadly mob siege of the Capitol in a swift and stunning collapse of his final days in office.

With the Capitol secured by armed National Guard troops inside and out, the House voted 232-197 to impeach Trump. The proceedings moved at lightning speed, with lawmakers voting just one week after violent pro-Trump loyalists stormed the U.S. Capitol after the president’s calls for them to “fight like hell” against the election results.

Trump’s second impeachment trial launched on Feb. 9 with a debate and a vote on whether it’s even constitutional to prosecute the former president now that he’s no longer in office. Senators confirmed, 56-44, their jurisdiction over the trial, the first of a former president.

Trump is also the first U.S. president to be impeached twice. In January 2020, the House voted to impeach Trump on charges of abuse of power for pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival and now President Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress’ ensuing probe.

Acquittal is likely, but the trial will test the nation’s attitude toward Trump’s brand of presidential power, the Democrats’ resolve in pursuing him, and the loyalty of Trump’s Republican allies defending him.