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Live updates: Senate heads toward acquittal

Feb. 13, 2021 03:07PM EST
 Dan Ackermann

The Senate is expected to wrap up the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump and cast a final vote on whether he is guilty of "inciting an insurrection" by the end of the day, following an incredibly quick presentation on Friday by his defense team.

The big picture: Given most Republican senators voted prior to the trial that impeaching a former president is unconstitutional, Trump's defense team needed to do just enough to sustain the votes needed to acquit the former president. It appears that they were successful, and that Democrats will fail to obtain the 17 GOP votes needed for a conviction.

What's next: The Senate wrapped up their question and answer portion of the trial Friday evening, and will reconvene Saturday at 10 a.m.

  • Neither side is expected to call witnesses. If they vote against doing so, they will then proceed to closing arguments.
  • Democratic leadership informed its caucus on Friday that they expect a final vote on around 3 p.m., three Democratic congressional aides told Axios.
  • Democrats are not expected to receive the 17 GOP votes needed to convict him.

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