Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer left open the possibility on Tuesday that Democrats will censor former President Donald Trump, even if he is not convicted during his impeachment trial.
Few Republicans in the Senate have indicated a willingness to vote against Trump, making the 67-vote limit necessary to condemn him a vague proposal for Democratic leaders. When asked whether Senate Democrats could pursue censorship, Schumer suggested that all options were under consideration.
“I think the president should be tried. I hope he will vote to be sentenced,” Schumer told reporters. “Anything beyond that is something we can discuss, but he deserves conviction, no less.”
Trump’s conviction on a single charge of inciting insurrection is considered remote after only five Republicans voted to proceed with the trial. Republican Party leaders, including Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, raised questions about the constitutionality of a former president’s impeachment, even after condemning Trump’s role in the January 6 Capitol riot.
If the Senate reaches the 67-vote limit needed to condemn Trump, a simple majority of votes could prevent the former president from holding political positions in the future. Democrats have already signaled that they plan to support the second vote if the first passes.
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A censorship would function as a non-binding public rebuke to Trump’s actions. Congressional lawmakers have no legal authority to reprimand Trump if the trial is not condemned.
Lawmakers in favor of a censorship, including Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., And Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, suggested that it could be combined with the 14th Amendment to block Trump from taking office in the future. However, the legality of this statement has not yet been determined.