[Political Junkie Too]

But the counter argument that he must preside can be that Trump was impeached as President and the trial is related to that impeachment.

And the counter counter argument is that Article I Section 4 says:

Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.

Since judgment "shall not extend further than to removal from office" and Trump is no longer in office, the impeachment becomes moot.

The Democrats want the second judgment (disqualification), but they must first obtain the first judgment, which is now moot. Removing someone who is already removed from office is like a double jeopardy, it's holding a trial after the judgment has already been rendered.

-PJ

[Republican Wildcat]

The next line belies that.