WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Senate voted on Saturday and acquitted former President Donald Trump, concluding his second impeachment trial which is the shortest one in the U.S. history.
Seven Republican senators joined all the Democrats to vote "guilty," failing to reach two-thirds majority required for Trump conviction on the article of impeachment for inciting insurrection leading to the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
The 57-43 vote in the currently evenly split Senate yielded the most bipartisan margin in favor of impeachment conviction in the U.S. history.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer lamented Trump's acquittal, calling the Senate vote "un-American" and insulting to people who love the country.
"The former President inspired, directed, and propelled a mob to violently prevent the peaceful transfer of power, subvert the will of the people, and illegally keep that President in power," said Schumer moments after the upper chamber had voted to acquit Trump.
Trump declared victory after surviving the impeachment trial for a second time, saying that his political movement has "only just begun."
"Our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun. In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people," the former president said in a statement.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
