Senate Majority Failed American People by Acquitting Donald Trump and Voters Must Now Act

HRC responded to the U.S. Senate’s narrow vote to acquit Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, despite members of both parties supporting his conviction.

Today, HRC responded to the U.S. Senate’s narrow vote to acquit Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, despite members of both parties supporting his conviction.

“This is a sad day for our country. It is crystal clear that Donald Trump abused his power to subvert the next election, worked to cover it up, and lied about his motives and actions. Senators who have doubts about the evidence refused to seek the truth, but instead were this President’s accomplices in the cover up. This is profoundly troubling and a blow to the rule of law,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “We are a nation of laws, built on a promise in the Constitution that no one is above the law — especially those elected to serve the public, and that includes the president. The impeachment clause is not the only Constitutional remedy. The Senate majority has failed its Constitutional role. So in November, voters must make their disapproval known to those who have rejected justice and vote to remove Donald Trump from office.”

On Wednesday, the Senate voted 52-48 and 53-47, respectfully, to acquit Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, following a truncated trial  in which witnesses and documentary evidence were not permitted.

Last month, the Human Rights Campaign called for a fair and thorough trial and urged the Senate to ensure full accountability for the American people.

In December, HRC announced its support for the formal impeachment of Donald Trump. In September, HRC expressed support for a formal inquiry into the alleged corruption of Donald Trump in attempting to force the government of Ukraine to investigate a chief political rival by withholding foreign aid that had already been approved by Congress.