Former President Donald Trump has been acquitted by the United States Senate in what was a second failed impeachment trial. The Senate voted 57 guilty to 43 not guilty, which was not enough votes to convict Trump for the US Capitol riots that happened on January 6th.
Despite seven Republicans voting against him, the Democrats still failed to convict the embattled former President.
Democrat and Senate Majority leader, Chuck Schumer stated: ”43 Republican members chose Trump. They chose Trump.”
This response from Trump’s opposition is not unexpected since his support within the Republican Party has now firmly been established and his influence will continue.
This favourable outcome for Trump will allow him to be eligible for the 2024 elections and he has already hinted at the continuation of his political career.
After the vote on Saturday, Trump 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!”
Although nearly 75 million people voted for Trump (the highest number ever for a sitting president), the performance of Joe Biden over the next four years will be an important factor in determining whether another re-election campaign by Trump has merit.