Donald Trump will be the first former US President to face a Senate trial after the country’s house of representatives delivered an article of impeachment over a recent riot on Capitol Hill.

It is the second time the house has approved an article of impeachment against Trump after Democrats pushed for his removal in early 2019 over his dubious dealings with the president of Ukraine.

Jamie Raskin, the lead impeachment manager, formally notified the 100-member body that the managers were prepared to lead the prosecution of the former president. 

“Donald John Trump engaged in high crimes and misdemeanours by inciting violence against the government of the United States,” he said, as senators listened silently,” he said.

The articles of impeachment, drafted by three Democrats, charge Trump with abuse of power and wilful incitement of violence that led to the storming of Capitol. It could include a ban on holding public office, barring him from running for the 2024 election.

Following his election loss, Trump falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election, allegations that have been echoed by some Republicans. Almost all legal challenges presented by Trump and his colleagues have been dismissed by judges.

It seems unlikely that the Senate would vote against Trump. At least 17 Republicans would need to switch to convict Trump.

The trial will be delayed for about two weeks so that the chamber can focus on considering US President Joe Biden’s cabinet nominations, which includes Maltese-American Pete Buttigieg.

Biden has said that the senate trial “has to happen.”

What do you think of the update? Comment below