US President: Senate Acquits President Trump In Impeachment Trial

The Senate has on Wednesday acquitted President Trump of charges of abuse of power and obstructing the Congress, ending a congressional bid to oust him from office for pressuring a foreign power to incriminate his political rivals.

The tally for conviction fell far below the 67-vote threshold necessary for removal and neither article of impeachment garnered even a simple majority.

The first article, abuse of power, was rejected 48 to 52, and the second, obstruction of Congress, was defeated 47 to 53.

Senator Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah, was the only Republican to break with his party, voting to remove Mr. Trump from office.

It would be recalled that in December 2019, Democrats charged Mr Trump with pressuring Ukraine to smear a potential White House rival.

The votes, ending the third presidential impeachment trial in American history, were a resounding victory for Mr. Trump after five months of blaring scandal that threatened his presidency.

Both Republican and Democrats agreed that the final judgment on Mr. Trump will be rendered by voters when they cast ballots in just nine months.

In its historic vote on Wednesday, the Senate decided not to remove  from office on charges arising from his dealings with Ukraine.

If convicted on either charge, America’s 45th president, Donald Trump would be removed from office, to turn over office to Vice-President Mike Pence.