First Impeachment Trial of Donald Trump — January 16–February 5, 2020
The first impeachment trial of Donald Trump began in the U.S. Senate on January 16, 2020, and concluded with his acquittal on February 5, 2020. It was the third impeachment trial of a U.S. president, following those of Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton.
Background
The trial stemmed from the Trump–Ukraine scandal, in which Trump allegedly sought help from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, in exchange for $391 million in military aid. The House of Representatives impeached Trump on December 18, 2019 on two articles:
- Abuse of power
- Obstruction of Congress
Trial Proceedings
- January 16, 2020: The Senate formally accepted the House’s articles of impeachment. House managers, led by Rep. Adam Schiff, read the charges, calling Trump “a threat to national security” and accusing him of acting with “corrupt motives”.
- January 22–24: Prosecution’s opening arguments.
- January 25–28: Defense’s opening arguments.
- January 29–31: Questions, answers, and debate.
- January 31: A Republican majority (51–0) rejected Democratic amendments seeking subpoena authority for White House officials and unprovided documents.
- February 5: Senate votes fell short of the two-thirds majority needed for conviction.
- Abuse of power: 52–48 (52 Republicans voted no)
- Obstruction of Congress: 53–47 (all 53 Republicans voted no)
Key Points
- Presiding officer: Chief Justice John Roberts.
- House managers: Adam Schiff, Jason Crow, Val Demings, Sylvia Garcia, Hakeem Jeffries, Zoe Lofgren, Jerry Nadler.
- Defense counsel: Included prominent figures like Pam Bondi, Alan Dershowitz, and Jay Sekulow.
- Notable vote: Sen. Mitt Romney (R–Utah) was the only Republican to vote guilty on the abuse of power charge, becoming the first U.S. senator to convict a president from his own party.
Outcome
Trump was acquitted on both counts, remaining in office. The trial was notable for its procedural battles over subpoenas and for the rarity of a Republican majority voting against impeachment