U.S. lawmakers gift-wrap an impeachment impasse ahead of holiday break

Trump is also charged with obstruction of Congress for directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry.

A Senate trial would kick off a politically charged year heading into the presidential election, which will pit Trump against one of a field of 15 Democratic contenders, including Biden.

The impeachment trial could pose logistical challenges for the four Democratic senators in the race, as the first nominating contest takes place in Iowa on Feb. 3.

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“This impeachment process is more important than anyone’s schedule,” one of those candidates, Senator Amy Klobuchar, said on Thursday.

Trump’s presidency has polarized the United States, dividing families and friends and making it more difficult for politicians in Washington to find middle ground as they confront challenges such as the rise of China and climate change.

Fewer than half of Americans want Trump removed from office, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Thursday.