Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial is due to begin on February 8.
New Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed last night there will be a ‘full and fair trial’ after an agreement was reached between Senate Democrats and Republicans.
Trump stands accused of inciting the riots at the US Capitol on January 6 which claimed the lives of five people.
He is the only US President in history to be impeached twice and will be the first to face a trial after his term on office.
His trial will begin almost exactly a year after his first trial saw him acquitted by the Senate.
The first allegations related to him pressuring Ukraine to smear the now newly-elected President, Joe Biden, and his son.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Schumer said: ‘The Senate will conduct a trial of the impeachment of Donald Trump. It will be a full trial. It will be a fair trial’.
Schumer took over from Senator Mitch McConnell – now the Senate Republican Leader – who called for the trial to be pushed back to give Trump time to prepare amid reports the trial could start as early as next week.
McConnell said: ‘Senate Republicans are strongly united behind the principle that the institution of the Senate, the office of the presidency, and former President Trump himself all deserve a full and fair process that respects his rights and the serious factual, legal, and constitutional questions at stake.’
Articles of impeachment are due to be sent by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday, meaning formal proceedings can be launched against Trump.
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If found guilty by the now Democrat controlled Senate, he will be banned from running for office again and could lose privileges including his pension and travel allowance.
Trump defied tradition by refusing to attend President Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday and instead hosted his own send-off before jetting to Florida with wife Melania.
Reports suggest the proceedings will begin on February 8 with the trial due to start later that week.
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