By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former US president Donald Trump has been found not guilty in his impeachment trial.
Although the final vote was 57 ‘guilty’, 43 ‘not guilty’, there only needed to be 34 ‘not guilty votes’ – ie a two thirds majority – for acquittal.
Seven members of Trump’s own party (Senators Sasse, Romney, Burr, Collins, Murkowski, Toomey and Cassidy) joining Democrats on the charge of incitement.
In a statement after the trial, Trump said it was “a sad commentary on our times” that the Democrats had been given a “free pass to transform justice into a tool of political vengeance, and persecute, blacklist, cancel and suppress all people and viewpoints with whom or which they disagree”.
He added: “I always have, and always will, be a champion for the unwavering rule of law, the heroes of law enforcement, and the right of Americans to peacefully and honourably debate the issues of the day without malice and without hate.
“No president has ever gone through anything like it, and it continues because our opponents cannot forget the almost 75 million people, the highest number ever for a sitting president, who voted for us just a few short months ago. “
Trump had been charged with “incitement of insurrection” over last month’s violence when the US Capitol was stormed by his supporters, just as Congress was attempting to ratify the 2020 election result.
Just before the 6 January riots, thousands of his supporters gathered at a “Save America” rally on the National Mall, only minutes’ walk from the Capitol.
It had been organised to challenge the election result and Joe Biden’s win.
They listened as Trump spoke to them for 70 minutes, and at one point exhorted them to “fight like hell – or you’re not going to have a country anymore”.
The attack began moments after he took the applause.
At the impeachment hearing, Trump’s defence team had launched a blistering attack on the Democrats, describing proceedings as a “unjust, unconstitutional witch-hunt”.
Michael van der Veen, Trump’s lawyer said: “This whole spectacle has been nothing but the unhinged pursuit of a long-standing political vendetta against Trump by the opposition party.”
Michael van der Veen told the hearing Trump was not to blame and that he had told his supporters to protest peacefully.
They argued his speech at the rally was “ordinary political rhetoric” and was constitutionally protected free speech.
It is the first time in history that a US president has been impeached twice.
The first attempt to convict Trump in January 2020, for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, saw him acquitted by a majority of 52 votes to 48 for one charge and 53-47 for the second.
Only one Republican voted against him on one of the charges.
In his defiant statement after the conclusion of Saturday’s vote, Trump hinted he may return to the political spotlight.
He said: “Our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun.
“In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people.
“There has never been anything like it!”
Source: Fullview and News Agencies.