Senate Adopts Rules for Impeachment Trial

“The first substantive day of President Trump’s impeachment trial opened Tuesday with unexpected internal GOP dissension over its structure, as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was forced to revise his proposed rules at the last minute to accommodate a brewing rebellion in his ranks,” the Washington Post reports.

“That abrupt reversal from Senate leadership began a deeply acrimonious day in the chamber, which dramatically escalated in its final hours when the House managers and the president’s attorneys engaged in language considered so toxic for the staid Senate that Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the trial, admonished both sides.”

New York Times: “On its face, the prolonged debate was about the rules and procedures. But it set the stage for a broader political fight over Mr. Trump’s likely acquittal and will help shape the 2020 campaign.”

Axios: “All of this will set precedents for future presidential impeachment trials. And don’t kid yourself — there will be others.”