(ANSA) - ROME, FEBRUARY 14 - "Not guilty", not guilty: DonaldTrump was acquitted by the Senate also in the second impeachment trial, the only president to have been accused twice and the first to face the proceedings after leaving White House.
In the final vote, which came after only five hearings, only seven republicans joined the 50 dems: 10 fewer than those necessary for the sentence, which requires a two-thirds quorum.
The other 43 elected members of the Grand Old Party have sided with their former president.
The accusation was that he had instigated his fans to storm the Congress on January 6 to block the certification of Joe Biden's victory: a stain that will remain forever on his legacy.
"An antagonist hunt is over", exulted the former president.
"Our wonderful historic and patriotic move to make America great again is just beginning, I will have a lot to share with you in the coming months and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all," he promised. , already ventilating its return on the scene.
A ruling announced after powerful Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell leaked an email to party colleagues announcing his intention to vote for the former president's acquittal.
Thus burying any remaining hope of a conviction that required the support of at least 17 senators from the Grand Old Party.
McConnell, who had publicly condemned Trump for instigating the assault on Congress, espoused the defense of the unconstitutionality of impeachment against a former president, believing that it is "primarily a tool for his removal" and that the Senate therefore has no jurisdiction. .
An explanation that does not satisfy aspeaker Nancy Pelosi, who accused the leader of the Republican senators of a "pathetic" behavior, condemning "the group of cowardly Republicans who have been afraid to do their job respecting the institution in which they serve".
(HANDLE).