John,
The Senate let the American people down today.
After the first impeachment trial in history that did not call a single witness, the Senate voted to acquit President Trump on both articles of impeachment. Several senators admitted that the House had made a convincing case and acknowledged the president’s guilt, but voted to acquit him anyway. Although the majority of senators voted to acquit the president, a bipartisan group of senators voted to convict him, and it is encouraging to see some senators choosing their oaths over loyalty to the president or political expediency. Your strong demands for accountability contributed to these moments of light in a dark time.
President Trump’s acquittal following an incomplete and unfair trial sets a disturbing precedent for the future of accountability and checks and balances. Despite President Trump’s grave abuse of power by conditioning military aid on a political favor from a foreign power, which senators have acknowledged was inappropriate, the Senate still gave the president a pass on his conduct. This opens the door to continued abuses of presidential power, both by Trump and by future presidents.
This vote does not just represent a failure to hold the president accountable for his abuse of power, placing his personal interest above the country’s interests—it also damages the Senate’s credibility and institutional strength as an independent branch of government. The Senate has failed in its responsibility to serve as a check on presidential power, and that has serious consequences for the integrity of our democracy.
Today, we reflect on senators’ sacrificing our democratic values in favor of protecting the most corrupt president in American history.
Tomorrow, we’ll get back to the work of challenging President Trump’s corruption and abuses of power, just as we have since day one of this administration. Our fight for accountability goes far beyond this impeachment process, and together, we’ll continue working to protect and repair our democracy.
Thank you,
Noah Bookbinder
Executive Director, CREW
