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Biden Criticizes Trump's Acquittal in 2nd Impeachment Trial, Says Democracy “Fragile”


Sun 14 Feb 2021 | 12:02 PM
Basant ahmed

 

US President Joe Biden criticized on Saturday former President Donald Trump's acquittal in his second impeachment trial, saying that democracy is "fragile" and "must always be defended."

"This sad chapter in our history has reminded us that democracy is fragile. That it must always be defended. That we must be ever vigilant. That violence and extremism has no place in America. And that each of us has a duty and responsibility as Americans, and especially as leaders, to defend the truth and to defeat the lies," Biden said in a statement, according to CNN.

The Senate acquitted Trump in his second impeachment trial Saturday, voting the former president not guilty of inciting the deadly January 6 riot at the US Capitol.

The final vote -- 57 guilty to 43 not guilty -- was 10 votes short of the 67 guilty votes needed to convict, with seven Republicans finding him guilty.

"The Senate vote followed the bipartisan vote to impeach him by the House of Representatives," Biden said. "While the final vote did not lead to a conviction, the substance of the charge is 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 was sworn into office as the 46th president of the United States on January 20, 2021, marking the commencement of his four-year term as president and Kamala Harris as vice president.