Roberts sworn in to preside over Trump impeachment trial
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts arrived at the Capitol on Thursday and was sworn in to preside over the weeks-long impeachment trial of President Trump.
Roberts arrived at the Capitol escorted by Sergeant at Arms Michael Stenger. He was then escorted into the Senate chamber by Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.).
Roberts then walked to the front of the chamber and was sworn in by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). After Roberts took his oath, Grassley could be overheard telling him, “God bless you.”
BREAKING: US Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts takes oath to preside over the US Senate during the impeachment trial against President Trump. pic.twitter.com/LI676olHVC
— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) January 16, 2020
Roberts, under the Constitution, is required to preside over a president’s impeachment trial. Though senators say they expect his role to be largely ceremonial, he’ll also have to weigh in on motions made by House managers, Trump’s legal team and senators — though a majority of the body could overrule him.
Underscoring the pomp of the impeachment trial before Roberts was sworn in, the Senate did a “live quorum” where the Senate clerk called the name of every senator. As their name was called, senators stood from their desks and said they were “present.”
“At this time pursuant to Rule 4 … the presiding officer will now administer the oath to John G. Roberts, chief justice of the United States,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) then announced.
Roberts is expected to also swear in each of the 100 senators.
The ceremonial housekeeping comes before the Senate will start the trial in earnest on Tuesday, when senators are slated to debate and pass a resolution establishing the rules of Trump’s impeachment proceeding.
Opening arguments for Trump’s trial are also expected to commence next week.
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