The commission of inquiry into the storming of the US Capitol wants to be targeted again by ex-President Donald Trump at its latest public hearing. A vote is reportedly set to take place Monday at 7 p.m. ET on whether the panel recommends the Justice Department prosecute former US President Donald Trump. But what exactly would that mean? The most important at a glance.
What exactly is being voted on?
According to media reports, committee members are voting on the crimes of rioting, conspiracy against the US government and obstruction of a public hearing. The committee has not confirmed this. It was also unclear exactly how such a vote should take place.
If the committee voted for it, it would be an unprecedented process. “I believe there is evidence that Donald Trump committed criminal acts in connection with his attempts to overturn the election,” commissioner Adam Schiff said on US television on Sunday.
Trump pressured officials to find votes that didn’t exist and incited a mob to attack the Capitol after the 2020 presidential election, Commissioner and Democrat Schiff said. “If that’s not criminal, what is?”
What’s at stake?
A recommendation from the committee to the Justice Department has no direct consequences for Trump for now, because the committee has no legal remedies. The Justice Department will decide whether or not to pursue criminal charges against the Republican and eventually charge him.
But such a recommendation would still send a clear signal – especially given the possible allegations. It can influence the decision-making process and eventually lead to an indictment. Should Trump one day be convicted of sedition, he would no longer be allowed to hold political office.
What does Trump say about this?
Trump has railed against the Commission of Inquiry from the start, denying its legitimacy. On Sunday, he again sharply attacked the committee on the online platform Truth Social, of which he was a co-founder.
“These are corrupt cowards who hate our country!!!” he wrote about the committee members. Republicans and patriots across the country must unite against the “criminals and thugs.” After the darkness comes the light. In November, Trump stated that he wanted to run again with the Republicans as a candidate for the White House. Against this background, too, he dismisses all allegations against him as political persecution.
What other problems with the judiciary does Trump have?
Regardless of what the commission decides on Monday, the ex-president is currently embroiled in several legal disputes. For example, he is under investigation for taking secret government documents to his private estate after he left the White House. Trump could have been criminalized for prosecution. This investigation is now in the hands of a special detective.
What had happened before?
For the past nearly 18 months, the committee has investigated how Trump supporters stormed the seat of the US Congress on January 6, 2021, when the Republican’s election defeat by Joe Biden had to be confirmed. A mob incited by Trump violently entered the building, killing five people. The commission plans to publish its final report next Wednesday.
The commission is ultimately a toothless tiger, as it has no criminal powers. But the panel staged the public hearings like a TV spectacle – which should have left a lasting impression on many people. In the course of the investigation, 76-year-old Trump was heavily accused by witnesses. These included Trump’s former Attorney General William Barr and White House aides.
Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide, was considered a particularly spectacular surprise witness. Over the summer, she accused Trump of knowing about possible violence on January 6, 2021. He knew the protesters were armed. Republican Liz Cheney also played a special role during the hearings. The arch-conservative MP has long supported Trump’s policies, but broke with him after the attack on the Capitol. For this she was kicked out by her party. She is only one of two Republicans on the panel and has repeatedly attacked Trump during the hearings.
(dab/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
