Impeachment trial of President Trump

By Fernando Alfonso III and Mike Hayes, CNN

Updated 2026 GMT (0426 HKT) January 25, 2020

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10:21 a.m. ET, January 25, 2020

"They're asking you to tear up all of the ballots across this country," White House counsel tells senators

White House counsel Pat Cipollone said in his opening remarks that Democrats are not only asking the Senate to remove the President from — but also the 2020 ballot.

"They're asking you not only to overturn the results of the last election, but as I have said before they're asking you to remove President Trump in the ballot in an election that's occurring in approximately nine months."

He continued: "They're asking you to tear up all of the ballots across this country on your own initiative. Take that decision away from the American people."

Watch Cipollone's remarks:

10:13 a.m. ET, January 25, 2020

White House counsel: "The President did absolutely nothing wrong"

Opening arguments are underway from the White House legal counsel with attorney Pat Cipollone up first.

"The President did absolutely nothing wrong," Cipollone said.

12:18 p.m. ET, January 25, 2020

Trump's team has begun their opening arguments

The President's defense team has begun their remarks at the impeachment trial.

White House counsel Pat Cipollone is starting things off for the defense by saying House managers have not met their burden of proof.

"You've heard the House managers speak for nearly 24 hours over three days. We don't anticipate using that much time. We don't believe that they have come anywhere close to meeting their burden for what they're asking you to do."

10:09 a.m. ET, January 25, 2020

What to expect today

The impeachment trial is back in session. Mitch McConnell said we should expect two to three hours of session today.

There will be quick break if needed.

White House counsel Pat Cipollone said it will go no longer than 1 p.m. ET. He added that their side won't take the full 24 hours over three days to defend President Trump.

10:10 a.m. ET, January 25, 2020

Senate chaplain to lawmakers: "Bring impeachment trial to the conclusion you desire"

Senate chaplain Barry Black opened the impeachment trial today with a prayer.

"Bring impeachment trial to the conclusion you desire," Black said.

10:06 a.m. ET, January 25, 2020

The Senate impeachment trial is back in session

The Senate just gaveled in to continue the impeachment trial of President Trump.

The House Democrats wrapped up their opening arguments last night, and now Trump's legal team is expected to begin its initial presentation.

Trump's attorneys will get 24 hours over the course of three days to make their case — but they are not required to use all of that time.

10:04 a.m. ET, January 25, 2020

These are the members of Trump's defense team

The team of lawyers defending President Trump includes some well-known attorneys and longtime allies of the President.

Here's a look at who is on the team:

10:01 a.m. ET, January 25, 2020

House managers have delivered evidence to Senate Trial

From CNN's Jeremy Herb and the Hill Team

The House managers walked over four carts of evidence in boxes — including at least one WB Mason box — this morning ahead of today's impeachment proceedings.

9:51 a.m. ET, January 25, 2020

A day-by-day look at how the rest of the trial could play out

From CNN's Ted Barrett, Phil Mattingly and Manu Raju

Today marks the first Saturday session of President Tump's impeachment trial — and, by some schedule estimates, it could be the last.

At the start of the trial on Tuesday, two sources in communication with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he wanted it done in about 10 days.

There's a couple of big caveat on timing: Both sides, which get 24 hours over the course of three days each, can yield time back, so that could change the time frame. And if there's a majority vote to subpoena witnesses or documents, that could change things as well.

If each side uses all their time for opening arguments and there are not witnesses, here's how the rest schedule could play out:

Today: Trump team arguments
Monday: Trump team arguments
Tuesday: Trump team arguments
Wednesday: Senator questions
Thursday: Senator questions
Friday: Four hours of debate on whether to subpoena witnesses and subpoenas, a vote on witnesses and documents and a vote on other motions; If all votes fail, the Senate could move to the acquittal vote.