Prime GOP Senators Met With Trump Impeachment Attorneys Throughout Trial to Focus on ‘Authorized Technique’: CNN

At least three top Republican senators, all of whom had vowed to ensure “impartial justice,” felt it was appropriate to meet with former President Donald Trump’s impeachment attorneys as the Senate trial was underway.

“Several GOP senators have just met with Trump’s defense lawyers,” CNN’s Manu Raju reported on Twitter. He mentioned Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), who is accused of being one of the leaders of the insurgency, and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who is considered to be the Republican most loyal to Trump.

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) was “also seen entering”.

“Graham refused to talk about it afterwards. “See you tomorrow,” he said to me, “reports Raju.

Trump attorney David Schoen “told us there was nothing inappropriate to meet with jurors on impeachment,” he added.

“We discussed their legal strategy and shared our thoughts,” Senator Cruz told Raju.

Relatives: 15 Republicans (at least) refused to appear for the full impeachment trial of Donald Trump

Schön was even less concerned with honoring the will of the American people who elected the 232 members of Congress who voted last month to indict then-President Trump.

I asked Trump attorney David Schoen if it was appropriate to meet with senators who are jurors and he said, ‘I think this is the impeachment practice. There is nothing about this thing that appears to be due process. ‘“

That is also wrong. Trump was given the opportunity to testify on his behalf and declined. Impeachment proceedings are also not criminal proceedings, and due process does not matter.

If it were a criminal case, the defense could seek and receive an immediate trial if they catch the defense meeting with the jury.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Government Operations expressed concern:

I’m not a lawyer, but I’m pretty sure that jurors shouldn’t have a strategy with a defense attorney during a trial. https://t.co/5lpNrArq1B

– Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) February 11, 2021

TO UPDATE:
The law professor at Georgetown Law condemns Cruz and Graham for “how dubious” they take “their own oaths”.

I’m impressed with how dubious Cruz and Graham take their own oaths. When they joined the Senate, they vowed to defend the constitution and faithfully perform their duties. When this process began, they vowed to practice “impartial justice” according to the constitution. 1 /

– Heidi Li Feldman (@HeidiLiFeldman) February 12, 2021

Cruz and Graham both humbled themselves by supporting Trump after he treated them like dirt. But now they humiliate themselves much further. I wouldn’t trust them as far as I could throw them. 3/3

– Heidi Li Feldman (@HeidiLiFeldman) February 12, 2021