Overview: Trump faces 2nd impeachment trial, Biden assumes office in less than a week
On one side of Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., President Trump -- now the only president in history to be impeached twice -- faces another Senate trial following the House charging him Wednesday with one article of impeachment for "incitement of insurrection." Shortly after 10 Republicans sided with Democrats for the vote, Trump released a video from the Oval Office condemning the violence at last week's Capitol riot, which he called a "calamity," but he did not address impeachment.
On the other side of Pennsylvania Avenue stands what's now become a crime scene -- the U.S. Capitol complex. By this weekend, up to 20,000 National Guard troops, many armed, will be deployed to the area amid heightened security concerns and ahead of Biden’s inauguration. Inside the Capitol, metal detectors were installed to enter House chamber earlier this week, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced plans to fine members who don't comply with the new protocol up to $5,000.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell signaled Wednesday that Trump's Senate trial should take place after Trump leaves office, saying he wouldn't call back the Senate ahead of its Jan. 19 return. McConnell also indicated Wednesday he's considering voting to convict the president, issuing a statement that says he has "not made a final decision." Pelosi has not publicly announced her timeline, but a source involved with deliberations told ABC News Wednesday she plans to send the article to the Senate next week.
Biden, reacting to Trump’s second impeachment late Wednesday, expressed his hope that the Senate will be able to maintain a bifurcated schedule, allowing the trial to move forward along with his agenda -- a message his transition has been consistent on this week. But Democrats are facing the reality that Trump is still likely to loom large over Biden's first days in office.
On Thursday evening, Biden is slated to deliver remarks on the public health and economic crises from Wilmington, Delaware, and introduce his COVID-19 vaccine and economic relief proposal. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is expected to join.
There are no public events on Trump’s schedule.