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| Impeachment live updates: McConnell to suggest Pelosi is ‘too afraid’ to transmit articles of impeachment for Trump’s Senate trial | Impeachment live updates: McConnell to suggest Pelosi is ‘too afraid’ to transmit articles of impeachment for Trump’s Senate trial |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| The day after Trump was impeached by the House for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, questions continued to swirl about the timing and scope of an anticipated Senate trial regarding his conduct toward Ukraine. | The day after Trump was impeached by the House for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, questions continued to swirl about the timing and scope of an anticipated Senate trial regarding his conduct toward Ukraine. |
| House leaders suggested a possible delay until they can get a guarantee of a fair trial in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), meanwhile, in a floor speech plans to criticize the House process as rushed and unfair and suggest House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is “too afraid” to transmit “their shoddy work product.” | House leaders suggested a possible delay until they can get a guarantee of a fair trial in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), meanwhile, in a floor speech plans to criticize the House process as rushed and unfair and suggest House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is “too afraid” to transmit “their shoddy work product.” |
| Meanwhile, Trump, who is just the third president in U.S. history to be impeached, on Thursday praised Republican unity in opposing the move, claiming that is “what people are talking about.” | Meanwhile, Trump, who is just the third president in U.S. history to be impeached, on Thursday praised Republican unity in opposing the move, claiming that is “what people are talking about.” |
| ●Trump is impeached by the House, creating an indelible mark on his presidency. | ●Trump is impeached by the House, creating an indelible mark on his presidency. |
| ●Pelosi says House may withhold impeachment articles, delaying Senate trial. | ●Pelosi says House may withhold impeachment articles, delaying Senate trial. |
| ●Impeachment split screen: As House votes in Washington, Trump rallies in Michigan. | ●Impeachment split screen: As House votes in Washington, Trump rallies in Michigan. |
| ●However historic, impeachment is but a way station in the struggle over Trump’s presidency. | ●However historic, impeachment is but a way station in the struggle over Trump’s presidency. |
| Which House members voted to impeach Trump | How impeachment works | House resolution impeaching Trump | House Judiciary Committee’s report | Other key documents | Which House members voted to impeach Trump | How impeachment works | House resolution impeaching Trump | House Judiciary Committee’s report | Other key documents |
| House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) said Thursday that the articles of impeachment “will be sent in due course” but declined to elaborate on what that meant. | |
| “The speaker has to make that decision with input from other people,” Nadler told reporters. | |
| He was also critical of McConnell for his coordination with the White House in advance of an anticipated trial. | |
| “Mitch McConnell has a problem,” Nadler said. “Mitch McConnell has said he is going to work hand in glove with the White House. He has said he is not a fair juror. I don’t understand how he can possibly take the oath that he is required to take.” | |
| Trump spokeswoman Pam Bondi said Thursday that Trump will be happy with whatever Senate leaders decide about the scope of a trial in the chamber. | Trump spokeswoman Pam Bondi said Thursday that Trump will be happy with whatever Senate leaders decide about the scope of a trial in the chamber. |
| “How ever they decide to proceed, we’re ready to go,” Bondi said during an appearance on Fox News. | “How ever they decide to proceed, we’re ready to go,” Bondi said during an appearance on Fox News. |
| Trump had originally advocated for a calling a long list of witnesses, including Hunter Biden, the son of former vice president Joe Biden, and the anonymous whistleblower whose complaint prompted the impeachment inquiry. | Trump had originally advocated for a calling a long list of witnesses, including Hunter Biden, the son of former vice president Joe Biden, and the anonymous whistleblower whose complaint prompted the impeachment inquiry. |
| Bondi said that impulse was understandable from someone who has been “falsely accused.” | Bondi said that impulse was understandable from someone who has been “falsely accused.” |
| But she suggested the White House is more flexible now and in line with the thinking of McConnell, who has said it’s possible no witnesses will be called. | But she suggested the White House is more flexible now and in line with the thinking of McConnell, who has said it’s possible no witnesses will be called. |
| “At this point, I think the American people are over this … and we want Congress to get to back to work,” Bondi said. | “At this point, I think the American people are over this … and we want Congress to get to back to work,” Bondi said. |
| Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) sharply criticized Democrats on Thursday for considering a delay in transmitting articles of impeachment to the House. | |
| “If House Dems refuse to send Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial it would be a breathtaking violation of the Constitution, an act of political cowardice, and fundamentally unfair to President @realdonaldTrump,” Graham said in a series of tweets.” Not allowing the Senate to act on approved Articles of Impeachment becomes Constitutional extortion and creates chaos for the presidency.” | |
| House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) said he would be willing to see the House hold on to the articles of impeachment indefinitely if they cannot get a guarantee that the Senate would hold a “fair and impartial” trial. | House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) said he would be willing to see the House hold on to the articles of impeachment indefinitely if they cannot get a guarantee that the Senate would hold a “fair and impartial” trial. |
| “We would be crazy to walk in there knowing he’s set up a kangaroo court,” Clyburn, the No. 3 Democrat in the House, said of McConnell during a CNN interview. | “We would be crazy to walk in there knowing he’s set up a kangaroo court,” Clyburn, the No. 3 Democrat in the House, said of McConnell during a CNN interview. |
| Clyburn added that he has “no idea what the speaker will do.” | Clyburn added that he has “no idea what the speaker will do.” |
| On Wednesday night, Pelosi left open the possibility the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed. | On Wednesday night, Pelosi left open the possibility the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed. |
| Clyburn said in his view, the House should hold the articles “as long as it takes.” | Clyburn said in his view, the House should hold the articles “as long as it takes.” |
| Asked if that meant indefinitely, Clyburn said, “If it were me, that’s what I’m saying.” | Asked if that meant indefinitely, Clyburn said, “If it were me, that’s what I’m saying.” |
| House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) said Thursday that there are practical reasons beyond concerns about a fair Senate trial that could lead to a delay in transmitting articles of impeachment to the Senate. | House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) said Thursday that there are practical reasons beyond concerns about a fair Senate trial that could lead to a delay in transmitting articles of impeachment to the Senate. |
| During an MSNBC appearance, Hoyer noted that Senate rules require the chamber to conduct a trial as its first order of business once the articles are transmitted from the House. Hoyer said there are concerns that a trial could delay work on the budget and a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico. | During an MSNBC appearance, Hoyer noted that Senate rules require the chamber to conduct a trial as its first order of business once the articles are transmitted from the House. Hoyer said there are concerns that a trial could delay work on the budget and a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico. |
| Hoyer also voiced concerns about whether the Senate will conduct a fair trial, given McConnell has said he is coordinating with Trump’s defense team and that he doesn’t consider himself “an impartial juror.” | Hoyer also voiced concerns about whether the Senate will conduct a fair trial, given McConnell has said he is coordinating with Trump’s defense team and that he doesn’t consider himself “an impartial juror.” |
| Hoyer said McConnell is “in effect sitting at the defense table.” | Hoyer said McConnell is “in effect sitting at the defense table.” |
| “It’s very hard to believe that Mitch McConnell can raise his right hand and pledge to be impartial,” Hoyer said. | “It’s very hard to believe that Mitch McConnell can raise his right hand and pledge to be impartial,” Hoyer said. |
| Asked if there’s a possibility that the articles of impeachment will never be transmitted, Hoyer said, “I don’t think that’s the case, and I hope it’s not the case.” | Asked if there’s a possibility that the articles of impeachment will never be transmitted, Hoyer said, “I don’t think that’s the case, and I hope it’s not the case.” |
| “I got Impeached last might without one Republican vote being cast with the Do Nothing Dems on their continuation of the greatest Witch Hunt in American history,” he tweeted. “Now the Do Nothing Party want to Do Nothing with the Articles & not deliver them to the Senate, but it’s Senate’s call!” | “I got Impeached last might without one Republican vote being cast with the Do Nothing Dems on their continuation of the greatest Witch Hunt in American history,” he tweeted. “Now the Do Nothing Party want to Do Nothing with the Articles & not deliver them to the Senate, but it’s Senate’s call!” |
| On Wednesday night, Pelosi left open the possibility the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed. | On Wednesday night, Pelosi left open the possibility the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed. |
| It was unclear what Trump meant by “it’s the Senate’s call!” | It was unclear what Trump meant by “it’s the Senate’s call!” |
| During floor remarks on Thursday, McConnell plans to criticize the House for holding “the most rushed, least thorough and most unfair impeachment inquiry in modern history” and to suggest that Pelosi might be “too afraid” to transmit “their shoddy work product” to the Senate. | During floor remarks on Thursday, McConnell plans to criticize the House for holding “the most rushed, least thorough and most unfair impeachment inquiry in modern history” and to suggest that Pelosi might be “too afraid” to transmit “their shoddy work product” to the Senate. |
| His prepared remarks, shared by his office, come a day after Pelosi left open the possibility the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed. | His prepared remarks, shared by his office, come a day after Pelosi left open the possibility the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed. |
| According to excerpts, McConnell will argue that the two House-passed impeachment articles are “fundamentally unlike any articles that any prior House of Representatives has ever passed.” | According to excerpts, McConnell will argue that the two House-passed impeachment articles are “fundamentally unlike any articles that any prior House of Representatives has ever passed.” |
| He will also criticize Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) for “searching for ways the Senate could step out of our proper role and try to fix House Democrats’ failures for them.” That is a reference to Schumer’s call to issue subpoenas to several Trump administration officials who declined to participate in the House inquiry. | He will also criticize Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) for “searching for ways the Senate could step out of our proper role and try to fix House Democrats’ failures for them.” That is a reference to Schumer’s call to issue subpoenas to several Trump administration officials who declined to participate in the House inquiry. |
| McConnell will also suggest the Senate needs to guard against partisan impeachments. | McConnell will also suggest the Senate needs to guard against partisan impeachments. |
| “The framers built the Senate to provide stability,” he plans to say. “To keep partisan passions from boiling over. Moments like this are why the United States Senate exists.” | “The framers built the Senate to provide stability,” he plans to say. “To keep partisan passions from boiling over. Moments like this are why the United States Senate exists.” |
| After a fiery rally in Michigan on Wednesday night at which he lashed out at Democrats, Trump went on Twitter on Thursday morning to praise Republicans for sticking together in opposition to the House’s impeachment votes. | After a fiery rally in Michigan on Wednesday night at which he lashed out at Democrats, Trump went on Twitter on Thursday morning to praise Republicans for sticking together in opposition to the House’s impeachment votes. |
| “100% Republican Vote,” he tweeted. “That’s what people are talking about. The Republicans are united like never before!” | “100% Republican Vote,” he tweeted. “That’s what people are talking about. The Republicans are united like never before!” |
| The day after Trump was impeached by the House for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, questions continued to swirl about the timing and scope of an anticipated Senate trial. | The day after Trump was impeached by the House for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, questions continued to swirl about the timing and scope of an anticipated Senate trial. |
| Moments after Wednesday night’s historic vote, Pelosi said the House could at least temporarily withhold the articles from the Senate — a decision, she suggested, that could depend on how the chamber chooses to conduct its trial on Trump’s removal. | Moments after Wednesday night’s historic vote, Pelosi said the House could at least temporarily withhold the articles from the Senate — a decision, she suggested, that could depend on how the chamber chooses to conduct its trial on Trump’s removal. |
| Pelosi will certainly be asked to elaborate on her thinking at a scheduled 10:45 a.m. news conference on Capitol Hill. | Pelosi will certainly be asked to elaborate on her thinking at a scheduled 10:45 a.m. news conference on Capitol Hill. |
| Washington will also hear from McConnell, the other key player in the drama, on Thursday morning. He is expected to speak about impeachment during remarks on the floor shortly after the Senate convenes at 9:30 a.m. | Washington will also hear from McConnell, the other key player in the drama, on Thursday morning. He is expected to speak about impeachment during remarks on the floor shortly after the Senate convenes at 9:30 a.m. |
| In a tweet Wednesday night, McConnell said he would “speak about House Democrats’ precedent-breaking impeachment of the President of the United States.” | In a tweet Wednesday night, McConnell said he would “speak about House Democrats’ precedent-breaking impeachment of the President of the United States.” |
| Democrats have been pushing McConnell to agree to a trial that includes witnesses from the Trump administration, including acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, who declined to participate in the House impeachment inquiry. | Democrats have been pushing McConnell to agree to a trial that includes witnesses from the Trump administration, including acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, who declined to participate in the House impeachment inquiry. |
| McConnell has resisted, saying it is not the job of the Senate to supplement the House’s record. | McConnell has resisted, saying it is not the job of the Senate to supplement the House’s record. |
| Also hanging in the balance: a decision by Pelosi on which House members will serve as impeachment managers in a Senate trial. | Also hanging in the balance: a decision by Pelosi on which House members will serve as impeachment managers in a Senate trial. |
| The day after impeaching Trump, the House is expected on Thursday to approve one of the president’s key initiatives, a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico. | The day after impeaching Trump, the House is expected on Thursday to approve one of the president’s key initiatives, a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico. |
| The bill received bipartisan approval by the House Ways and Means committee and is likely to be broadly supported on the House floor. | The bill received bipartisan approval by the House Ways and Means committee and is likely to be broadly supported on the House floor. |
| The measure was crafted by the Trump administration as a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement. Pelosi has said the legislation being voted upon has been vastly improved since it was first presented to Congress by the White House. | The measure was crafted by the Trump administration as a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement. Pelosi has said the legislation being voted upon has been vastly improved since it was first presented to Congress by the White House. |
| The day after his impeachment, Trump has no public appearances planned on Thursday. | The day after his impeachment, Trump has no public appearances planned on Thursday. |
| The only events listed on a schedule distributed by the White House are a pair of Christmas receptions, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. | The only events listed on a schedule distributed by the White House are a pair of Christmas receptions, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. |
| As Pelosi on Wednesday night announced the first vote on the impeachment of President Trump, the Democratic leader read the 230 yeas and 197 nays — and seemed to pause when realizing a member of her own party had voted for a third option in that historic moment. | As Pelosi on Wednesday night announced the first vote on the impeachment of President Trump, the Democratic leader read the 230 yeas and 197 nays — and seemed to pause when realizing a member of her own party had voted for a third option in that historic moment. |
| “Present,” voted Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii). | “Present,” voted Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii). |
| Gabbard, a presidential candidate, would end up as the only member of the House not to vote for or against either of the impeachment articles accusing Trump of abusing his office and obstructing Congress. | Gabbard, a presidential candidate, would end up as the only member of the House not to vote for or against either of the impeachment articles accusing Trump of abusing his office and obstructing Congress. |
| Late on Wednesday, Gabbard said she staked out that unique position because she believes Trump is guilty but also faulted the Democratic impeachment process as “a partisan endeavor.” | Late on Wednesday, Gabbard said she staked out that unique position because she believes Trump is guilty but also faulted the Democratic impeachment process as “a partisan endeavor.” |
| Read more here. | Read more here. |
| BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Less than an hour after being impeached, Trump was widely condemned Wednesday night for suggesting during a campaign rally that the late Michigan congressman John Dingell might be “looking up” from hell, remarks that Dingell’s widow, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), said “really hurt.” | BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Less than an hour after being impeached, Trump was widely condemned Wednesday night for suggesting during a campaign rally that the late Michigan congressman John Dingell might be “looking up” from hell, remarks that Dingell’s widow, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), said “really hurt.” |
| “Mr. President, let’s set politics aside,” said Debbie Dingell, whose husband, a World War II veteran and the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history, died in February at the age of 92. “My husband earned all his accolades after a lifetime of service. I’m preparing for the first holiday season without the man I love. You brought me down in a way you can never imagine and your hurtful words just made my healing much harder.” | “Mr. President, let’s set politics aside,” said Debbie Dingell, whose husband, a World War II veteran and the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history, died in February at the age of 92. “My husband earned all his accolades after a lifetime of service. I’m preparing for the first holiday season without the man I love. You brought me down in a way you can never imagine and your hurtful words just made my healing much harder.” |
| Trump made the insult while complaining that the congresswoman had voted to impeach him, even though he claimed he gave John Dingell “A-plus treatment” during his memorial services. | Trump made the insult while complaining that the congresswoman had voted to impeach him, even though he claimed he gave John Dingell “A-plus treatment” during his memorial services. |
| Trump insisted he did not expect anything in return for such treatment. But he nevertheless expressed disbelief that Dingell would support impeaching him after she thanked him in a February phone call. At the time, Trump had ordered flags lowered to half-staff. | Trump insisted he did not expect anything in return for such treatment. But he nevertheless expressed disbelief that Dingell would support impeaching him after she thanked him in a February phone call. At the time, Trump had ordered flags lowered to half-staff. |
| Read more here. | Read more here. |
| As Trump prepares to stand trial in the Senate next month — proceedings that were triggered with his impeachment by the House on Wednesday — senators are hurtling toward an acquittal that is all but assured but with much uncertainty about how the chamber will arrive there. | As Trump prepares to stand trial in the Senate next month — proceedings that were triggered with his impeachment by the House on Wednesday — senators are hurtling toward an acquittal that is all but assured but with much uncertainty about how the chamber will arrive there. |
| For now, there is no clarity on how long a trial will last or even when it will begin. It is almost certain that there will not be a bipartisan agreement on witnesses. With very limited exceptions, senators are taking their cues from their party leaders, with Senate Republicans increasingly coordinating with the White House on a trial strategy that they insist will be fairer than what the House afforded Trump. | For now, there is no clarity on how long a trial will last or even when it will begin. It is almost certain that there will not be a bipartisan agreement on witnesses. With very limited exceptions, senators are taking their cues from their party leaders, with Senate Republicans increasingly coordinating with the White House on a trial strategy that they insist will be fairer than what the House afforded Trump. |
| Adding to the uncertainty: Pelosi late Wednesday left open the possibility the House may not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed. | Adding to the uncertainty: Pelosi late Wednesday left open the possibility the House may not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed. |
| What is certain is that the bipartisan bonhomie that at least helped launch President Bill Clinton’s Senate trial two decades ago is gone. The chamber is already locked in a bitter struggle over how the proceedings for Trump will be conducted, as the two sides trade accusations of impartiality and a rush to judgment. | What is certain is that the bipartisan bonhomie that at least helped launch President Bill Clinton’s Senate trial two decades ago is gone. The chamber is already locked in a bitter struggle over how the proceedings for Trump will be conducted, as the two sides trade accusations of impartiality and a rush to judgment. |
| Read more here. | Read more here. |
| Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) accuses McConnell of wanting “a Senate cover-up” instead of a fair trial in an op-ed that was published following Trump’s impeachment Wednesday night. | Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) accuses McConnell of wanting “a Senate cover-up” instead of a fair trial in an op-ed that was published following Trump’s impeachment Wednesday night. |
| “As a former prosecutor, I understand the importance of holding powerful people accountable,” Harris, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says in the piece in the New York Times. “I know that every trial requires fairness and truth. Having worked my whole life serving the people, I know that any trial that abandons the pursuit of truth cannot be considered fair or just. But the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, appears more interested in covering up the president’s misconduct than in pursuing truth and fairness.” | “As a former prosecutor, I understand the importance of holding powerful people accountable,” Harris, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says in the piece in the New York Times. “I know that every trial requires fairness and truth. Having worked my whole life serving the people, I know that any trial that abandons the pursuit of truth cannot be considered fair or just. But the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, appears more interested in covering up the president’s misconduct than in pursuing truth and fairness.” |
| “He is already trying to limit the impeachment trial by preventing witnesses from testifying, and he has all but announced a verdict,” Harris says of McConnell. “In doing so, he showed the American people that he has no intention of honoring his oath. Let’s be clear: Mr. McConnell doesn’t want a Senate trial. He wants a Senate cover-up.” | “He is already trying to limit the impeachment trial by preventing witnesses from testifying, and he has all but announced a verdict,” Harris says of McConnell. “In doing so, he showed the American people that he has no intention of honoring his oath. Let’s be clear: Mr. McConnell doesn’t want a Senate trial. He wants a Senate cover-up.” |