Senate Rules Trial Is Constitutional, Even as Most Republicans Oppose Proceeding

Former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial is constitutional and valid, the Senate decided Tuesday, clearing the way for arguments to begin on whether he incited the insurrection by inflaming the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol last month.

After four hours of arguments from House impeachment managers and Trump’s defense team, the Senate voted 56-44 to affirm that it’s constitutional to try an official who is no longer in office.

The trial resumes at noon on Wednesday, starting 16 hours for each side to make its case.