Breaking News

More () »

Politics

AP sources: GOP leader McConnell will vote to acquit Trump

The longest-serving GOP Senate leader in history made his views known in a letter to fellow Republicans, according to AP sources.

Credit: AP

In this Jan. 6, 2021, photo, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., walks from the Senate floor to his office on Capitol Hill in Washington. Now that the House has impeached President Donald Trump for the second time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi must figure out the best strategy for arguing the case before the Senate. Senate rules say the trial must start soon after the chamber receives the article of impeachment, which cites “incitement of insurrection” after an angry mob of Trump’s supporters invaded the Capitol last week. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

WASHINGTON — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has told colleagues he'll vote to acquit Donald Trump in his impeachment trial.

That ends the suspense over what the chamber's most influential Republican would decide. And it probably slams the door on chances the former president would be found guilty.

The longest-serving GOP Senate leader in history made his views known in a letter to fellow Republicans. That's according to two sources familiar with McConnell's thinking who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss his decision.

Word came minutes before the beginning of Saturday's session of the Senate trial. Senators have now abruptly voted to open the door to calling witnesses to testify, leaving the trial's duration uncertain.

►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.

Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.