The landmark second impeachment trial of former US President Donald
Trump has begun in the US Senate on Tuesday, AFP reported. Trump is accused of
inciting the US Capitol violence of January 6, 2021 when pro-Trump supporters
stormed the Congress. Democratic Senator Patrich Leahy will preside over the
trial, which will begin with hours of debate, followed by a vote, on the
constitutionality of trying an ex-president.

“It’s our solemn constitutional duty to conduct a fair and honest
impeachment trial of the charges against former president Trump — the gravest
charges ever brought against a president of the United States in American
history,” Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

Also Read | Donald Trump faces US Senate for the second impeachment trial today

The main part of the trial will start on Wednesday, with each side
having 16 hours to present oral arguments.

The impeachment trial will almost certainly be a formality as the
Democrats have enough votes, but it will give early indication of how open
Republicans are to the case at all.

Also Read | Impeachment trial: ‘The wall’ of differences between Democrats and GOP

Trump is the first president ever to face two impeachment trials. He was
acquitted in 2020 of abuse of power. He is also the first President in history
to be tried after leaving office.