Mitch McConnell Wants to Delay Trump’s Impeachment Trial So Former President Can Prepare

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell reportedly wants to delay former President Donald Trump’s Senate impeachment trial until February to give the former commander in chief time to prepare. However, as he is no longer majority leader he will have to seek Democrats’ approval.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has not yet sent the single article of impeachment to the Senate. When she does, the chamber will have to decide when to schedule Trump’s second impeachment trial. That could come down to newly minted Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

It’s not yet clear what kind of defense Trump will mount be he has appointed attorney Butch Bowers to represent him. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, the former president’s personal lawyer, will reportedly not participate.

Democrats can’t have it both ways: an unconstitutional impeachment trial & Senate confirmation of the Biden admin’s national security team. They need to choose between being vindictive or staffing the administration to keep the nation safe. What will it be: revenge or security?

— Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) January 21, 2021

President Joe Biden has also begun the process of submitting his cabinet nominees for Senate approval. While it’s widely understood the Senate can manage both the trial and confirmation hearings, at least one Republican has threatened to delay cabinet appointments if the trial proceeds.

“Democrats can’t have it both ways: an unconstitutional impeachment trial & Senate confirmation of the Biden admin’s national security team. They need to choose between being vindictive or staffing the administration to keep the nation safe. What will it be: revenge or security?” Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson tweeted on Thursday.

This may be an empty threat, however, since Vice President Kamala Harris now holds the decisive casting vote in the chamber and could, if necessary, use her constitutional role to confirm cabinet nominees. However, this may not be needed.