The Senate erupted into rare laughter on Saturday when Michael van der Veen, attorney for former President Donald Trump, threatened to drag Democrats to his law office in “Philly-delphia” for statements.
Van der Veen, outraged by a surprising democratic move for witnesses in the trial, scolded senators for laughing, apparently believing they found the content of his legal argument more humorous than his intended or errant slip of the tongue.
The moment of frivolity came when the trial, which was expected to end after closing arguments on Saturday, became heated as it was extended by the request for at least one witness.
Van der Veen said he wanted to depose Democrats who reportedly used fiery rhetoric, similar to Trump’s Jan. 6 encouragement that fans “fight” to overthrow the state’s voters.
Nancy Pelosi’s statement must be taken. Kamala – Vice President Harris’s statement must absolutely be passed. And not by Zoom. None of these statements may be made by Zoom. We didn’t do this hearing by Zoom. These statements must be made in person at my Philadelphia office. That’s where they should be done, ”said van der Veen.
‘I don’t know how many civil lawyers there are, but that’s how it works, folks. If you want someone’s deposition, you send a statement of deposition and they will appear where the statement is. That is a civil process. I don’t know why you are smiling. It’s a civil process. That’s the way lawyers do it. We will send you impeachment notices. “
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Who is chairing the Senate Process, called on the senators to rally.
“I want to remind everyone that we will have order in the room during this procedure,” Leahy said.
Van der Veen said to senators: ‘I have not laughed at any of you. And there is nothing laughable here. “
He added, “You said my client came in to testify. That’s not the way it should be. If he wanted to talk to Donald Trump, he should have filed a subpoena, like I’m going to subpoena a large number of people. Witnesses are needed here to try and get their case back on track. “
After a 55-45 vote to allow witnesses, senators are negotiating a deal on certain people to be impeached with knowledge of Trump’s actions during the Capitol riot, which he is accused of setting up.
A simple majority is required to call specific witnesses. Some witnesses were impeached as part of President Bill Clinton’s 1999 Senate trial, but no witnesses were called to Trump’s first trial last year for alleged abuse of his power by asking Ukraine to investigate current President Biden and his son Hunter.