Discussion 2: Second Impeachment Trial of Donald J. Trump

On January 13th, 2021, Donald J. Trump became the first federal office-holder in U.S. history to be impeached twice. By a vote of 232-197, the Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives impeached Trump for “incitement of insurrection” against the U.S. government and “lawless action” at the U.S. Capitol. The single article of impeachment was delivered to U.S. Senate on January 25th, 2021. The Senate trial will begin on February 9th, 2021. After arguments have been laid out in the trial, the Senate moves to vote on conviction. A two-thirds vote is required in the U.S. Senate for conviction. Republicans have argued that the Senate can not try a former president after he/she has left office. Republicans also have argued that Trump is not guilty of the crime alleged by the House of Representatives.

There are 100 members in the U.S. Senate. Each state has two senators. Each senator has one vote as a member of the jury. The two senators from Texas are John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, both Republicans. Cornyn and Cruz are both expected to vote to acquit Trump as are most other Senate Republicans. U.S. Senators are supposed to represent the constituents of their state. Based on your answers to the following questions below, do you believe that Senator Cornyn and Senator Cruz should vote to convict or acquit former President Donald J. Trump? A conviction would trigger a second vote in which a simple majority in the Senate could permanently disqualify Trump from holding future public office in the United States.

1) Do you agree that it is unconstitutional to try a former president after they leave office, or do you agree with the Democrats that it is constitutional? 2) Do you think that former President Trump is guilty of the charge of “incitement of insurrection” and “lawless action?” Provide evidence to support your two answers. Your responses should be based on what your interpretation of the U.S. Constitution provides for. Perform some quick research on the questions before submitting your responses. Provide links for your sources. I have attached the Article of Impeachment passed by the U.S. House.