The second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump could be over less than a week after it began.
Sarah Tew/CNETThe impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump is now running days ahead of schedule. On Thursday, House trial managers completed their two-day presentation, and Trump's defense team, led by Bruce Castor, wrapped up their arguments on Friday, using less than 3 hours to lay out their case. The impeachment schedule has shifted daily since before the Senate trial began Tuesday; a vote was first expected next week but is now due this weekend.
Trump's defense team had initially requested that the Senate pause the proceedings from Friday at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT) until Sunday afternoon. On Wednesday, however, Trump's defense reportedly withdrew the request to pause, allowing the trial to continue without a break into the weekend, according to The Hill. With the defense team using just 3 of the 16 hours allotted, the Senate on Friday moved to the 4-hour session where Senators can ask questions of the House managers and defense attorneys. Once the 4-hour session is concluded, the Senate could vote as early as Saturday.
Watch: How to stream Trump's impeachment trial now
After voting Tuesday on the constitutionality of the trial, the House impeachment managers began to present their case Wednesday and finished their presentation on Thursday. Here's how the trial schedule could run. Here is where to watch the impeachment trial and how to watch the videos shown during the trial.
The impeachment is taking place in the Capitol, the siege of which Trump is accused of inciting just last month.
PixabyWhen is the impeachment vote?
The House managers and defense lawyers each had up to 16 hours to present their arguments, with neither side being permitted to present for more than 8 hours per day. The House managers finished their presentation on Thursday, Feb. 11, and Trump's attorneys used just 3 hours before they concluded their remarks on Friday.
Now that the Senate has moved to the senator Q&A with the House managers and defense attorneys, here is how the trial will unfold, with a vote possible as soon as Saturday.
Friday, Feb. 12: The defense wrapped up its presentation and Senators are asking questions, scheduled to take 4 hours.
Saturday, Feb. 13: Closing arguments for 2 hours for each side, and then the vote on conviction or acquittal. A two-thirds supermajority is required to convict.
What happens if there are subpoenas or witnesses
One unknown is whether the House impeachment managers or the defense team will want to call witnesses or subpoena documents prior to their closing arguments. If so, there would be 2 hours of debate by each side, followed by a Senate vote on whether to allow this. If witnesses are called, there will be enough time given to depose them, and for each party to complete discovery before testimony is given.
Trump has rejected an offer by House managers to testify. While they could subpoena him, it is doubtful they will do so.
If a vote comes on Saturday or Sunday, the trial will be the shortest in history for a president. Trump's first trial, in 2019, ran 21 days. The trial of President Bill Clinton took 37 days; that of President Andrew Johnson lasted 83 days.
For more information on Trump's impeachment, you can follow along with the trial and see the videos presented as evidence so far.
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