Sen. Lankford on Impeachment Trial: ‘This is Nonsense and Sets a Terrible Precedent for the Future’

Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) had some harsh words today after he voted against continuing with the impeachment trial against former President Trump.

Lanford began, “You cannot vote to remove someone from office who is not even in office. This is nonsense and sets a terrible precedent for the future.”

“Today we had no Chief Justice presiding because the Constitution does not speak to trying a former President,” Lankford pointed out.

Lankford explained, “The Constitution is clear that “judgement in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office.” (Article I, Section 3, Clause 7).”

“You cannot disqualify someone from running for office until you first decide on removal, but it’s impossible to remove someone from office when he is already gone. This impeachment trial is clearly unconstitutional,” Lankford concluded.

You cannot vote to remove someone from office who is not even in office. This is nonsense and sets a terrible precedent for the future. Today we had no Chief Justice presiding because the Constitution does not speak to trying a former President.

— Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) February 9, 2021

You cannot disqualify someone from running for office until you first decide on removal, but it’s impossible to remove someone from office when he is already gone. This impeachment trial is clearly unconstitutional.

— Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) February 9, 2021

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) echoed Lankford’s words and condemned the proceedings as well.

“Last month, I stated that my plain reading of Article II, Section IV of the Constitution led me to believe that the Founders did not intend for us to impeach and try former federal office holders,” Inhofe stated.

Inhofe added, “I still believe that to be the case –which is why today I voted that the Senate does not have the jurisdiction to continue with these proceedings.”

I still believe that to be the case –which is why today I voted that the Senate does not have the jurisdiction to continue with these proceedings.

— Sen. Jim Inhofe (@JimInhofe) February 9, 2021