International Desk: The US Senate has approved the start of the impeachment process of former US President Donald Trump. The Senate voted 56-44 to move the trial forward. Donald Trump has been accused of "inciting insurrection" in Congress attack on January 6.

Procedings opened on Tuesday (February 9th) with the release of a video showing Trump's January 6th speech and the deadly rioting of his supporters. Jamie Raskin, an elected representative from Maryland, said it was a high crime and misconduct. "If that's not an impeachable offence, then there's no such thing."

But a 56-44 vote means at least six Republican senators are in favor of Trump's trial. Yet it proves that Trump has enough support to avoid punishment in the Senate. Because to be punished by trial, the support of two-thirds of the members of the Senate will be needed. However, if convicted, Trump will not be able to run for president in the future.

Democrats, meanwhile,at the start of the Senate session argued that their initiative was legitimate. The ten-minute video is then shown where Trump tells his supporters to "fight like hell". This was followed by an attack on the Capitol leaving five dead - including a police officer .

Each party will now have 18 hours to present their arguments, starting at noon on Wednesday. The senators will then have the opportunity to cross-examine both sides.

However, Donald Trump has already said that he will not attend the impeachment hearing and will not make any statement. Lawmakers on both sides have said they are in favor of ending the process quickly.

All in all, the Senate is likely to hold a referendum on convicting Trump.

Sun News