But his primary political calculation was clear. After party leaders briefly had fun with the process to expel Trump from their ranks, Republicans doubled over a bet made five years ago: that it was better not to provoke another open confrontation with a man that millions of his voters still embrace in a big way. singular.
Senator Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican and minority leader, personified the tortured balancing act, denouncing Trump on Saturday, minutes after voting to absolve him, for a “shameful neglect of duty”. In fierce statements from the Senate floor, McConnell, who had openly considered voting to condemn Trump, effectively argued that he was guilty of the charges, while arguing that there was nothing the Senate could do about it.
“There is no doubt – none – that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for causing the day’s events,” said McConnell. “The leader of the free world cannot spend weeks thundering that dark forces are stealing our country and then pretending to be surprised when people believe him and do reckless things.”
But McConnell, who refused to call the Senate back to the session to conduct the trial while Trump was still in office, argued that he could not be convicted once he was no longer. McConnell said the only way to punish him now is through the criminal justice system. Mr. Trump, he said, “hasn’t gotten away with anything yet.”
Minutes after the verdict, Mr. Trump, barred from Twitter, broke an atypical silence he maintained during the trial with a defiant statement issued from his post-presidential home in Florida, calling the process “another phase of the biggest witch hunt. in our country’s history. “
He expressed no remorse for his actions and strongly suggested that he planned to remain a force in politics for a long time.
“In the coming months, I have a lot to share with you and I hope to continue our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people,” said Trump.