WASHINGTON (AP) — A three-judge panel in Washington, D.C. heard arguments on Tuesday regarding the trial of former President Donald Trump. The panel, composed of Judges Patricia Millett, Judith Roberts, and Neomi Rao, weighed the case against Trump for his alleged incitement of the January 6th Capitol insurrection. The oral arguments lasted for several hours, with both the House impeachment managers and Trump’s defense team presenting their cases.
The impeachment managers asserted that Trump’s actions on the day of the insurrection constituted a direct incitement of violence. They argued that his repeated false claims about election fraud, his encouragement of a “wild” rally on January 6th, and his rhetoric during the event amounted to a clear attack on the electoral process and a call to his followers to forcefully overturn the election results.
Trump’s defense team, on the other hand, argued that the trial was unconstitutional since he was no longer in office when it took place. They contended that the Senate did not have the jurisdiction to try a former president and that the whole impeachment process was a political vendetta rather than a legitimate legal proceeding.
Throughout the arguments, Judge Millett posed numerous questions challenging both sides. She pressed the impeachment managers on the issue of intention, questioning whether Trump’s language was a direct incitement or merely political speech. She also challenged Trump’s defense team on their assertion that the Senate lacked jurisdiction, questioning what actions a president could take during their last days in office without facing any consequences.
After hearing the arguments, the panel will deliberate and ultimately issue a ruling. However, it is important to note that their decision is not final, as it could be appealed to either the full D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court. The ruling will have significant implications for future impeachment trials and the boundaries of congressional power to hold former presidents accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, a three-judge panel in Washington, D.C. heard arguments on Tuesday in the trial against former President Donald Trump for his alleged incitement of the January 6th Capitol insurrection. The panel will now deliberate and issue a ruling that could impact future impeachment trials.