The never before impeachment trial of former US President Donald Trump witnessed a divided Senate vote which largely voted along party lines. The Senate voted 56-44 to proceed to the trial. Trump has been charged with inciting the deadly assault on the Capitol, as a result of which five people lost their lives, hundreds were injured and the halls and chambers in the building were vandalized. Trump’s conviction, though, looks extremely unlikely, because a two-thirds majority is required to carry the charges thorough in the Senate. That will mean 67 Senators must vote in favour. The US Senate has 100 members with 50 from each party. To get the required number, 17 Republicans must cross vote.
The Democrats’ target is to not let Trump hold any public office ever again. However, Trump would want to run for President again in 2024, and this charge is unlikely to be carried.