Hours after armed rioters storm the U.S. capitol to demand the 2020 presidential election be overturned, 7 Senators vote in support of their demands
Explore current and historical political parties, map party control, and learn about polarization.
Sen. Rand Paul's motion to hold that the Senate cannot try an impeached official who is no longer in office was defeated 55-45. Most legal scholars agree such a trial is permissible.
In 1866, the House voted 105-20 to try former Confederate President Jefferson Davis for treason -- the trial ultimately never occurred.
The Senate voted to acquit former President Trump of charges of inciting the January 6th attack on congress. Although Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed that Trump was legally culpable for a "disgraceful dereliction of duty", he concluded that the Senate is unable to convict former officials. The Senate had previously held it has the power to do so.
