Republican, Democratic clash over rules of Trump’s impeachment trial

Addis Ababa, December 24, 2019 (FBC) – Republican and Democratic leaders in the US Senate have clashed over the rules of President Trump’s impeachment trial.

Democrats want assurances witnesses and documents will be allowed, to enable what they term a fair trial.

Top Democrat Chuck Schumer says the recent release of an “explosive” email about aid to Ukraine is a reminder of why openness is necessary.

Republican leader Mitch McConnell says he has not ruled out witnesses.

But he stopped short of agreeing ahead of time to take testimony during the trial.

President Trump was formally impeached by the House last week for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

He is the third president in US history to be impeached.

However, he is unlikely to be removed from office, as his Republican party has a majority in the Senate, where the trial will be held as stipulated in the US Constitution.

Mr Trump is accused of pressuring Ukraine’s president to start an investigation into his political rival, Democratic presidential front runner, Joe Biden.

The trial is expected to begin next month, after the holiday break.

Source: BBC