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Democrat Schumer on Donald Trump's acquittal: "A day of shame in the history of the United States of America"
Photo: TOM BRENNER / REUTERS
Donald Trump's acquittal in the impeachment process continued to heat the minds of the politicians involved in the US Senate even after the trial was over.
The Democratic majority leader Chuck Schumer criticized his Republican colleagues.
“January 6th will be a day of shame in the history of the United States of America.
The failure to condemn Donald Trump will go down as a shame in the history of the United States Senate, "said Schumer, referring to the day of the storm on the Capitol just six weeks ago.
Trump had previously only been found guilty of "incitement to riot" by 57 senators.
However, 67 votes would have been required.
While the Democrats unanimously voted in favor of condemning Trump, the Republicans only had seven senators.
Inciting an attack on the seat of Congress was "the most despicable act a president has ever committed," said Schumer.
Nevertheless, the majority of Republicans could not muster the courage to condemn this act.
“My fellow Americans, remember that day, January 6th, forever.
The last terrible legacy of the 45th President of the United States - and undoubtedly our worst. "
The leader of the Republicans in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, had voted against a conviction of Trump.
The former president was "practically and morally" responsible for the storming of the Capitol by his supporters, said McConnell.
Trump "orchestrated" the storming and "shamefully" violated his duties as president.
Republican Senator from Louisiana against Trump - "because he is guilty"
McConnell justified the fact that he had nevertheless voted against a conviction of Trump with concerns about the constitutionality of the impeachment proceedings against Trump.
In his opinion, the process was obsolete because Trump is no longer in office.
One Republican who saw it differently was Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana.
He voted for a conviction of Trump "because he is guilty," said Cassidy.
"Our constitution and our country are more important than a single person," Cassidy said.
The further dealings with Trump, who could theoretically run again for the presidency, should cause considerable tension among the Republicans.
While some senators have openly opposed him, others remain loyal to him.
Trump himself used the news of his acquittal immediately to declare war.
His political movement is only just beginning, Trump said in a statement on the judgment.
He was looking forward to the “incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people.
(...) Our historical, patriotic and beautiful movement to make America great again has only just begun. "
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fek / dpa