Senate Majority Leader
Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the theory that the Constitution prohibits a trial of a former official is “flat-out wrong by every frame of analysis.” He pointed out that the Constitution allows the Senate to not only remove an impeached official from office, but also bar him or her from holding future office.
Though many GOP lawmakers have condemned Trump’s actions in inciting the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, the party has coalesced around the idea that impeaching a former president would be improper. Moreover, there is political calculus involved. Trump remains a dominant figure among Republican voters, candidates and officials beyond the Beltway, even as the party clashes over whether remaining loyal to him will help or hurt in the long run.