After GOP Rejects Measures to Subpoena Witnesses and Evidence, Democrats Decry Impeachment Trial 'Designed to Protect Trump'

Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday reiterated their belief that the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump is a “rigged” process after Republicans unanimously rejected calls for more evidence and witnesses on the president’s alleged attempt to bribe the Ukrainian government last year.

Senate Democrats called for the release of documents from the Department of Defense and Office of Management and Budget pertaining to correspondence in which a budget official wrote there was “clear direction from POTUS to continue to hold” military aid from Ukraine. They also sought records from the State Department and the White House and attempted to compel the testimonies of White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and former National Security Adviser John Bolton. Bolton has said he’s open to testifying and has signaled he may have information pertinent to the trial.

The Senate voted 53-47 along party lines to reject amendments aimed at bringing more information and witnesses to the Senate floor.

“What are Republicans afraid of?” asked Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in a tweet, noting that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has stated explicitly that the GOP is consulting with the White House on the trial—the equivalent of jurors coordinating with a defendant.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) added in the early morning hours of Wednesday that Republicans are overseeing a “rigged” impeachment trial “designed to protect President Trump.”