Only senate can impeach

They seem to have forgotten the fact that their own lives were put at risk because the former president provoked the Capitol attack by his followers. My last name is proof: Congress impeached and tried my ancestor after he left office. Trump could be next. There will surely be devastating evidence presented. The last trial was a multimedia extravaganza, and here the House managers and their counsel have even more evidence and an even more heinous high crime to work with.

Hopefully that will move more of the Senate's 50 Republicans to embrace the constitutional common sense they rejected Tuesday, and to follow their oaths instead of a man. Donald J. Trump " based on his year as special impeachment counsel to House Judiciary Committee Democrats. Both serve as outside counsel to the nonpartisan Voter Protection Program. You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page , on Twitter usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter.

To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters usatoday. Facebook Twitter Email. The Senate is charged with deciding whether it may convict someone and impose through separate votes the sanctions available in impeachment trials, and its decision is final.

The Senate has skipped a conviction vote only once and that was because the official Blount had been a senator, who is subject to expulsion but not impeachment, and not because he was no longer in office.

Fast forward to this past week. The House impeached Trump for incitement to insurrection, but the article of impeachment has not yet been delivered to the Senate. Once the Senate receives the article, the Senate will do what it has always done — immediately begin an impeachment trial. In this case, Trump cannot escape the trial, or the consequences of his misconduct, because he has left the presidency. Michael J. Gerhardt is the author of six books, including leading treatises on impeachment, appointments, presidential power, Supreme Court precedent, and separation of powers.

Follow him on Twitter MichaelGerhard8. Filed under: Congress , Impeachment , Senate. Gerhardt January 15, Signups for A. Emails Featured Articles. Key Topics Scroll within to view all topics.

About the Author s. Gerhardt Michael J. In some cases, the Senate has also disqualified such officials from holding public offices in the future.

There is no appeal. Since about half of Senate impeachment trials have resulted in conviction and removal from office. About Impeachment.