Jan 27, 2020

Good morning. The president’s defense team offered brief opening arguments this weekend in the impeachment trial of President Trump. Find out exactly what you need to know in our coverage below. Last week, we put the spotlight on the special role that historically black colleges and universities have played in our nation’s history and how they are shaping the next generation. Read what Heritage President Kay C. James and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said at Heritage’s first HBCU Forum. Last Friday, the March for Life brought thousands to Washington, D.C., in defense of innocent life and in opposition to abortion. Marchers were addressed by President Trump—marking the first time a U.S. president has spoken at the March for Life. The next day, Kay C. James spoke at the 11th National Pro-Life Summit. Learn more about Heritage’s involvement below.

It’s Time for Crucial Decision-Making in the Impeachment Trial
President Trump’s defense lawyers began their arguments before the Senate on Saturday, following the conclusion of the House impeachment managers’ presentations on Friday. The president’s legal defense team includes White House counsel Pat Cipollone, Trump’s personal lawyer Jay Sekulow, and former independent counsel Ken Starr, among others. Senators will soon face a period of crucial decision-making on whether to acquit President Trump or extend the trial by calling witnesses. “After each side presents its case, the Senate will vote on whether to call witnesses to testify,” writes Fred Lucas, The Daily Signal’s White House correspondent. “The rules are similar to those used in the 1999 impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton, who was acquitted. It takes a two-thirds vote, or 67 senators, to remove a president from office.” Follow the latest coverage of the impeachment trial on The Daily Signal and watch Heritage legal expert John Malcolm provide analysis on Fox News.

Heritage Young Leaders Join Pro-Life March in Washington D.C.
Last week’s March for Life brought thousands of pro-life Americans to Washington from all over the country, and The Heritage Foundation was active before, during, and after the annual event. Heritage staff and Young Leaders gathered outside Heritage beforehand and attended the march. President Trump’s speech was the first ever delivered by a U.S. president in person at the event. Following this year’s successful march, Heritage, Heritage Action, Alliance Defending Freedom, Live Action, and Students for Life hosted the 11th National Pro-Life Summit at the Marriott Marquis in Washington. Heritage President Kay C. James and multiple Heritage experts addressed a crowd of young Americans. Looking out at the conference hall overflowing with pro-life activists, James asked everyone to “recognize that the labor we’ve been at for so many years is bearing fruit“ and encouraged them to continue to “be absolutely fearless as you stand for life.” James’ remarks received a standing ovation. Learn more about the event and watch James’ speech. 

Keeping Historically Black Colleges and Universities Competitive
Last week, Heritage hosted its inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Forum. “As a proud graduate of Hampton University, I know the vital role HBCUs play in preparing minority students for success,” said Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos was a featured speaker, addressing the audience made up largely of representatives and supporters of historically black colleges and universities. “Today, I encourage you to think about how your institutions will be known decades from now, in addition to being an HBCU,” said DeVos. “The success of students at HBCUs and the success of all students is a top priority for this administration, for President Trump. Ours is a valued partnership—with you we are building a strong record of action for HBCUs and their students everyday.” Watch the full event and read more about Kay C. James’ personal story.

Monday at 5 p.m., Heritage will host an event on lessons from ancient Rome. Lawrence Reed, president emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education, will compare Rome’s transformation and decline to current U.S. policy debates, providing historical precedents beneficial to preserving individual liberty in our country today. Watch the event live.

Here are highlights from media outlets like Fox News, Fox Business and more featuring Heritage experts. This week, they touched on hot topics like Impeachment, Iran, China, Trade and taxes. Watch the video.