Silence, oaths and gravity. The Senate solemnly opened on Thursday, January 16, the recall trial of Donald Trump, the third in the history of the United States. "It's a masquerade, it's a shame", thundered the Republican billionaire, while displaying his optimism on a rapid outcome to this episode which marred his re-election campaign. "It should go very quickly …", he said, counting on the Republican majority in the Senate to be acquitted without having to endure long debates.
His trial, which divides both the political class and the country, began when seven elected Democrats from the House of Representatives appeared in the Senate to read the indictment adopted by their assembly on December 18. "Donald John Trump, President of the United States, has been charged with serious crimes and offenses", said Adam Schiff, who heads this team responsible for the role of prosecutor. The former real estate tycoon "Acted in a manner contrary to the trust placed in a president and subversive for the conduct of the government"he continued in a deep, emotional tone.
"The weight of history is on our shoulders"
After a break, parliamentarians returned to the Chamber to take an oath before the head of the United States Supreme Court, John Roberts, who was charged with the constitutional responsibility for presiding over the trial. They have collectively sworn to do justice "Impartially in accordance with the Constitution and the laws", before the highest magistrate of the United States who, draped in his black toga, took the same oath, his hand on the Bible.
In the greatest silence, the senators then signed, in groups of four, a "Oath book" to write their commitment in black and white. The hearing was then adjourned until 1 p.m. Tuesday (7 p.m. in Paris), when the debates will actually begin. "The weight of history is on our shoulders", commented the leader of the Democratic minority in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, at the exit of the hemicycle.
Donald Trump, who is not expected to appear in person, is facing two counts: abuse of power and obstructing the smooth running of Congress.
According to the indictment, he asked Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, his potential rival in the presidential election in November, and exerted pressure to win his case, in particular by freezing crucial military aid for this country at war with Russia.
Once the blackmail was revealed, he obstructed the Congressional investigation, by prohibiting his advisers from testifying or providing documents, the document said.
Trump repeats having "done nothing wrong"
Donald Trump repeated on Thursday that he had "Nothing done wrong", posing again as a victim of "Phony masquerade" orchestrated by the Democrats, who control the House of Representatives.
The elected republicans, who have a majority in the Senate, have so far united around him. Their head of the Upper House, Mitch McConnell, again criticized the investigation by the House of Representatives on Thursday morning, "A visibly partisan performance". But, he continued, "The hour of the House is over, it is the turn of the Senate" and "This assembly exists so that we can (…) put aside our low instincts ".
A senior administration official said the trial should not last more than two weeks. During this period, the hundred senators will have to attend the hearings, without leaving the room and respecting the utmost silence. If they have questions for the parties, they should put them in writing to John Roberts, who will read them aloud.
Adam Schiff, one of Donald Trump's beasts, will lay the charge. Head of the Intelligence Committee of the House of Representatives, the 59-year-old elected official oversaw the investigation against the president, who renamed him "Schiff the deceiver". To obtain dismissal, he would need a two-thirds majority in the Upper House, or rally 20 Republican senators, which seems impossible.
The Democrats still hope that the trial will bring out embarrassing new elements for Donald Trump, and demand the hearing of four close advisers to the president. "The integrity of the Senate is also on trial", said Democratic Senator Kamala Harris, hoping that her Republican colleagues will accept the request.
Chance of the calendar: an independent body of control of the government brought Thursday water to their mill, by estimating that the White House had "Breaking the law" by suspending funds for Ukraine at the heart of the scandal. "It further reinforces the need for new documents and witnesses at trial", commented the Democratic head of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.
Our selection of articles on the Trump-Zelensky appeal case
