US Senate acquits President Trump on abuse of power charge

WASHINGTON: In the historic impeachment trial, the US Senate on Wednesday acquitted Donald Trump of misuse of power, the first of two charges brought against the Republican president that prompted senators to vote on whether to oust him from office.

Donald Trump, the businessman-turned-politician, witnessed only the third presidential impeachment trial in US history, the worst phase in his tumultuous administration. After being impeached by the House of Representatives on December 18 on charges stemming from his actions against Ukraine.

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The Republican-majority Senate voted 52-48 to acquit him of abuse of power arising from his proposal that Ukraine prosecutes political opponent Joe Biden, a Democratic nomination candidate to challenge Trump in the Nov 3 election.

Fifty-two Republicans Senate members voted to acquit Trump, while all 47 Democrats voted to remove President Trump from the office.

After acquittal from Senate President Trump took to social and said, “I will be making a public statement tomorrow at 12:00 pm from the White House to discuss our Country’s VICTORY on the Impeachment Hoax.”

I will be making a public statement tomorrow at 12:00pm from the @WhiteHouse to discuss our Country’s VICTORY on the Impeachment Hoax!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 5, 2020

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However, the Senate vote revealed how strong control the former real estate tycoon has over the Republican Party, while an advantage that nine months before he is again looking for a second four-year term for the office.