Trump impeachment trials compared
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The second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump bears similarities to last year’s, with the crucial difference that he is the first to be tried by the Senate after leaving office
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FIRST TRIAL  2020
                         
PRESIDING OFFICER

Pretrial brief 80 pages

John Roberts
Chief Justice, U.S. Supreme Court

CHARGES
Abuse of power and Obstruction of Congress arising from Trump’s attempt to pressure Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden

Trump’s response 7 pages

Prosecution: 7 House impeachment managers

Defence: 10 attorneys 

2020
Democrats 47*
Republicans 53

Majority leader
Mitch McConnell

Senate voted 52-48 to acquit Trump on charge of Abuse of power and 53-47 on  Obstruction of Congress
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SECOND TRIAL 2021 

Patrick Leahy
Longest-serving Democrat senator

Pretrial brief 80 pages

CHARGES
Incitement of insurrection after violent mob of Trump’s supporters stormed U.S. Capitol on January 6
 
Trump’s response  14 pages 
         
Prosecution: 9 House impeachment managers

Defence: 2 attorneys
       
SENATE CONTROL 2021

Democrats 50*
Republicans 50

VERDICT

Majority leader
Charles Schumer
                      
Conviction requires two-thirds majority – votes of 17 Republicans needed as well as all 50 


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*Includes two independents who vote with Democrats
Sources: AP USA Today Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS