As Trump Moves on After Impeachment Acquittal, Biden Says Charge 'Not in Dispute'

By Mary Anne R. First Posted: Feb 14, 2021 09:11 PM EST

President Joe Biden spoke out on the Senate's acquittal of former president Donald Trump on Saturday, saying that the impeachment of Trump was an illustration of the danger posed to the country's democracy by misinformation and extremism.

Biden said that although Trump was acquitted, his actions in the lead-up to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 were not "in dispute," according to an NPR report.

In a statement released on Saturday night, Biden noted that while the final vote did not convict Trump, the charge's substance was not in dispute.

"Even those opposed to the conviction, like Senate Minority Leader McConnell, believe Donald Trump was guilty of a 'disgraceful dereliction of duty' and 'practically and morally responsible for provoking' the violence unleashed on the Capitol," Biden said.

The President noted that this chapter in U.S. history had reminded the people that democracy is fragile and "it must always be defended," and "we must be ever vigilant." Biden added that violence and extremism have no place in America.

Biden's Reaction

Biden had remained mostly mum about the former president's impeachment until his comments on Saturday. He told reporters last week that he did not plan to watch the trial, according to a WBEZ report.

Biden added that he neither fully supported nor opposed Congress' vote last month to impeach Trump, saying that he wanted to leave the matter up to Congress.

Biden has previously honored Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, one of the five people who died during the violent Capitol riot.

Acquitting Trump

A majority of senators voted to hold Trump guilty on one charge of inciting an insurrection. However, the 57-43 tally was 10 votes short of the two-thirds majority required for conviction. Sixty-seven votes were needed to secure a conviction.

Seven Republicans voted for the conviction of the former president. It made Saturday's vote the most bipartisan in a presidential impeachment trial in the country's history.

Republican Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland predicted a "real battle for the soul of the Republican Party." Hogan was known to be on frequent Trump critic, according to an AFP News report.

One of the seven Republicans to vote to convict Trump was Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. He predicted that Trump's still strong-hold on Republicans would soon fade.

"I think his force wanes... I think our leadership will be different going forward," Cassidy said in the report.

Several Republicans were dismayed over Trump's role on Jan. 6 and in the weeks before, saying that he stoked anger with false claims that the last presidential election was stolen from him.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who voted against conviction, said that there's no question that Trump was "practically and morally responsible for provoking the events." But he noted that a former president could not be impeached.

One of the former president's loyal supporters, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said that Trump retains a huge political role as the party looks ahead to the 2022 midterm elections.

"We need to work with President Trump -- we can't do it without him," Graham noted in the report.

Trump's Statement

In his statement released on Saturday, Trump welcomed his acquittal. He denounced the impeachment proceedings as "yet another phase of the greatest witch hunt in the history of our country."

He then added that there was so much work ahead, "and soon we will emerge with a vision for a bright, radiant, and limitless American future."

Trump, for now, remains in his Palm Beach, Florida club. He celebrated his win at Mar-a-Lago, surrounded by friends and family. One of his lawyers even joked: "We're going to Disney World!," according to an Associated Press report.

With his acquittal, Trump is expected to reemerge as he eyes ways to reassert his power. The former president has flirted with the idea of running again in 2024.