Déjà vu For Mr. Trump: Will the U.S. Senate Convict Him This Time?

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 NIV

Until recently, a series of episodes in the life of William W. Belknap were all but cancelled from public memory and allowed to fall through the cracks of history. That his devious political adventures happened during the 19th century might account for his lack of present-day notoriety. As a former U.S. Secretary of War appointed by former President Ulysses S. Grant in 1869, Mr. Belknap owns along with former President Donald Trump the dubious distinction of being the only government officials in American history tried by the House of Representatives after leaving public office. Former President Trump’s impending impeachment trial—-that will be adjudicated by the U.S. Senate beginning the week of February 8—-is not only a rare event that calls into question whether he played a role in inciting the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol; but the “impeachment mechanism” by its very nature will inevitably extend a unique opportunity for those interested to explore some of the suspected underlying political motivations of both men.

Mr. Belknap, according to United States Senate: War Secretary’s Impeachment Trial, was charged with “criminally disregarding his duty as the Secretary of War and basely prostituting his high office to his lust for private gain.” A lawyer by training; a former Iowa state legislator and Civil War general, Mr. Belknap was famous for hosting extravagant Washington parties which favored the “fashion shows” of his elegantly attired first and second wives.

The former Secretary of War financed his lavish lifestyle by accepting generous kickbacks from shady businessmen.

The prospect of comparing and contrasting the temperaments of Mr. Belknap and Mr. Trump is irresistible

Defiant, boorish, unethically driven to retain the White House and never conceding his election loss to President Joe Biden, Mr. Trump’s temperament runs counter to that of Mr. Belknap’s. The following historically documented episode offers a sense of Mr. Belknap’s temperament: “On March 2, 1876, just minutes before the House of Representatives was scheduled to vote on articles of impeachment, Belknap raced to the White House, handed [President] Grant his [letter of] resignation, and burst into tears.” In contrast, former President Trump at the Save America “insurrection” rally on January 6 said, “If you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.”

Preparing for Mr. Trump’s U.S. Senate trial next week and reviewing details of Mr. Belknap’s back in 1876; similarities can be discovered. Mr. Trump is a Republican and so was Mr. Belknap. The current U.S. Senate—as result of the last election—is composed of a Democratic majority and Democrats were in the Senate’s majority at Mr. Belknap’s trial too.

In Nearly all GOP senators vote against impeachment trial for Trump, signaling likely acquittal

Mike DeBonis and Seung Min Kim reported: “...Democrats argue that Trump must be held accountable for the riot...” Republicans argue: “...a former president cannot be tried for impeachment.” Democrats respond by saying: “The theory that a Senate can’t try former officials would amount to a constitutional get-out-ofjail- free card for any president who commits an impeachable offense.”

As the nation waits with bated breath for the U.S. Senate’s verdict, I think history will repeat itself. In spite of a majority of the U.S. Senate being composed of Democrats in 1876, Mr. Belknap was acquitted because the two-thirds majority required to convict Mr. Belknap was not attained. I predict Mr. Trump will realize a similar fate. But, I hope I’m wrong.

Dr. Roger C. Williams, Jr. is a retired principal who has an interest in history and politics. You may comment about his column by sending an email to kcglobe@swbell.net. On the subject line put ATTN: Dr. Roger C. Williams, Jr