On Saturday morning, the Senate echoed what had become, on the 5th of the impeachment trial of former President Donald J. Trump, a familiar sound: the raised voice of Trump’s most combative and lively defense lawyer, Michael T van der Veen.
Van der Veen exploded after impeachment administrators in the House made a last-minute request to call a Republican Congresswoman, Jaime Herrera Beutler of Washington, as a witness – by video call – after she claimed to be aware of Trump’s statements in which he positioned himself with the crowd that attacked the Capitol.
The discussion became so heated that the trial’s president, Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont, warned Mr. van der Veen and others to observe the chamber’s rules of decorum. The rebuke came shortly after Leahy issued a similar warning when Democrats laughed at the defense attorney.
The angry comings and goings on Saturday came when van der Veen argued – in a tone that at times almost screamed – that the Democrats had broken their promise to end the trial, followed by a threat to summon top party figures to testify in person.
“There are many testimonials that need to happen,” he said. “Nancy Pelosi’s testimony needs to be done. The testimony of Vice President Harris needs to be done. And not by Zoom. None of these statements should be made by Zoom. “
“These statements must be made in person, in my office in Philadelphia,” added Mr. van der Veen, a personal injury lawyer, who spoke the name of his hometown with a distinct Philadelphia accent.
At that point, several senators started laughing softly.
“I would like to remind everyone that we will have order in the chamber during the process,” said Leahy.
“I didn’t laugh at any of you, and there is nothing laughable here,” interrupted Mr. van der Veen angrily.
A few moments later, he accused Democrats of making a “backroom deal” and went on to question his integrity.
“They completely violated, ignored and stepped on the United States Constitution,” he said. “They stepped on him as people who have no respect for him.”
At that point, Mr. Leahy leaned into the microphone at the chairman’s desk, with his dominant view of the Senate floor, and said: “All parties in this House must refrain from using language that does not lead to civil speech . “
It was not the first time that Mr. Leahy had to intervene to control Mr. van der Veen. On Friday, he called for order after an angry argument between the lawyer and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont almost ended in a screaming argument.
On Saturday, after the Senate voted to allow witnesses, van der Veen stirred again. This time, however, he sought calm.
“Let me take my own advice,” he said, “and cool the room down a bit.”