Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Donald Trump says Democrat's impeachment delay 'violates the constitution'

While addressing a conservative rally in Florida, President Donald Trump has accused the Democrats of violating the US constitution.

Donald Trump met with the Facebook chief in October last year.
Donald Trump met with the Facebook chief in October last year. Source: Getty

US President Donald Trump has complained about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's delayed transmission of the articles of impeachment to the Senate, which may delay a trial in the GOP-controlled chamber.

"It's so unfair," Mr Trump said on Saturday, days after he was impeached by the House, as he spoke at a conservative student conference organised by the group Turning Point USA.

"They are violating the constitution," he added.

Donald Trump speaks at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit.
Donald Trump speaks at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit. Source: AAP

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Ms Pelosi has refused so far to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, in part to provide more leverage to Democrats in that chamber as they seek to negotiate the rules for the trial proceedings.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic leader Chuck Schumer remain at an impasse over whether there will be new witnesses and testimony in the trial.

Still, Mr Trump is expected to be acquitted of both charges in the Senate, where Republicans have the majority, in what will be only the third presidential impeachment trial in US history. Proceedings are expected to begin in January.

Members of the audience cheer as Donald Trump takes the stage at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit.
Members of the audience cheer as Donald Trump takes the stage at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit. Source: AAP

Mr Trump lashed out at the Democrats who supported impeachment, accusing them of trying to "overthrow" the 2016 election.

"They call themselves Democrats, but they really don't believe in democracy," he said.

Mr Trump lauded House Republicans for remaining in lockstep against impeachment as a few Democrats crossed the aisle to oppose it.

"No Republican went to their side."

Speaking to thousands of enthusiastic supporters, many wearing his campaign paraphernalia, Mr Trump encouraged young conservatives to stand up to the "radical left," as he sought to harness the nation's cultural and divisions for political gain.

"The Democrat Party is trying to shred our constitution, tear down our history and erase the nation's borders," Mr Trump said.

"Each of you are on the front lines of defending our way of life," he added.

"The radical left doesn't stand a chance against young conservatives who put America first."

Nancy Pelosi talks to media last week.
Nancy Pelosi talks to media last week. Source: AAP

Mr Trump spoke on the first day of his more than two-week winter vacation at his private club in Palm Beach.

He was introduced by conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh, who encouraged the high school students in attendance not to believe in climate change and for conservatives to attack Mr Trump's critics, not spend time defending him.

"The people that need to be defending themselves are the people attacking him and the people attacking us," Mr Limbaugh said.

"The president doesn't need to be defended. He needs to be supported."


3 min read

Published



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world