If not clear before, it is clear now that this is an unlawful Bill of Attainder.
It’s not even pretending to be an impeachment any longer, they’re just making it up.
OK, let’s take a look at this “Impeachment” procedure…
The Constitution calls for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to preside; even the inestimable John Roberts couldn’t bring himself to participate in this farce, and you’ll note that no one else on SCOTUS has offered or was requested to fill-in for the role.
So that leaves the following individuals who will act [sic] as the presiding officer of the trial:
–President of the Senate, VP Kamala Harris, who is next in line of succession to the Presidency, and an active party in bringing these charges to Congress (she either had the good sense to recuse herself, or more likely thought it was the best political calculation);
–President pro Tempore Patrick Leahy, who is also 3rd in the line of succession, and a prominent member of the litigating party as well.
Charges against the former President are being shepherded by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who just happens to be second in line of succession and is primarily responsible for this colossal joke of a “trial”… Gross conflicts of interest anybody??