Mitch McConnell calls Trump 'responsible' for Capitol riot - after voting to acquit

Mr Trump made the comment in a statement after the Senate acquitted him in his second impeachment trial in 12 months.

His fellow Republicans shielded him from being held accountable for the deadly January 6 assault by his supporters on the US Capitol.

Despite the stain of a second impeachment, Trump hinted at a possible political future, saying that "our historic, patriotic and handsome movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun". The wealthy businessman-turned-politician has considered running for president again in 2024.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, "This was the most egregious violation of the Presidential oath of office and a textbook example, a classic example of an impeachable offence, worthy of the constitution's most severe remedy in response to the incontrovertible fact of Donald Trump's guilt".

In total 57 senators voted to convict Trump, with 43 opting to acquit, falling short of the two-thirds majority needed to find him guilty.

"President Trump incited the insurrection by using the power of his office to summon his supporters, urging them to march on the Capitol during the counting of electoral votes", Romney said.

House prosecutors had argued Mr Trump was the "inciter in chief" who, in a months-long campaign, orchestrated a pattern of violent rhetoric and false claims that unleashed the mob.

Democrats show undisclosed security camera footage from riots during impeachment trial.

Sadly, given the polarization that Trump both promoted and profited from - and a stark divide in the media landscape - numerous former president's most fervent followers will see his acquittal as vindication of a president who was subjected by the House to "constitutional cancel culture".

Trump’s pathetic defense reminds us why conviction is needed
Dobbs interjected in disbelief and said, "It does not honor the Constitution if you permit others to violate the Constitution". Five of Trump's impeachment attorneys abruptly quit just over a week before his Senate trial is set to kick off on February 8.

Watch van der Veen's remarks in the player above.

He joked: "We're going to Disney World!"

McConnell went further and suggested Trump could face charges now that he is out of office.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a former ally of Trump who has blamed him for the insurrection, also warned Saturday the ex-president could be prosecuted in the future.

Trump, a Republican, was accused of inciting riots in the US Capitol on January 6 which left five people, including a police officer, dead.

"There is no question, none, that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the event of that day", he said.

"The people who stormed this building believed they were acting on the wishes and instructions of their president".

"No president has ever gone through anything like it, and it continues because our opponents can not forget the nearly 75 million people, the highest number ever for a sitting president, who voted for us just a few short months ago".

He spent the weekend with family at the presidential retreat in Camp David, Maryland.