During the second impeachment attempt of former President Donald Trump on January 6, 2021, the Senate avoided convicting him for his alleged involvement in the rebellion. Despite this, Senator Mitch McConnell, a prominent Republican from Kentucky, tried to reassure the public that Trump was still subject to the law and could still be punished.
It is evident from McConnell's remarks that he was unprepared for the Supreme Court's ruling yesterday that granted presidents immunity for "official acts" while in office. McConnell said that it was "extremely important" to comprehend the following:
"As a regular individual, President Trump remains accountable for everything he did while in office....not yet gotten away with anything. However. In this nation, there is a criminal justice system. Civil lawsuit is what we have. Furthermore, no one can avoid holding prior presidents accountable.”
By emphasizing "everything he did" while in office, McConnell avoids holding any president accountable for decisions made while in office and does not distinguish between official and informal conduct.
Despite believing that Trump was "morally responsible" for January 6, McConnell voted to acquit Trump, in part because he believed that Trump could be held accountable via other legal channels.
It is evident from McConnell's remarks that he was unprepared for the Supreme Court's ruling yesterday that granted presidents immunity for "official acts" while in office. McConnell said that it was "extremely important" to comprehend the following:
"As a regular individual, President Trump remains accountable for everything he did while in office....not yet gotten away with anything. However. In this nation, there is a criminal justice system. Civil lawsuit is what we have. Furthermore, no one can avoid holding prior presidents accountable.”
By emphasizing "everything he did" while in office, McConnell avoids holding any president accountable for decisions made while in office and does not distinguish between official and informal conduct.
Despite believing that Trump was "morally responsible" for January 6, McConnell voted to acquit Trump, in part because he believed that Trump could be held accountable via other legal channels.
