Donald Trump is the first US president to be impeached twice. AFP
Donald Trump is the first US president to be impeached twice. AFP
Donald Trump is the first US president to be impeached twice. AFP
Donald Trump is the first US president to be impeached twice. AFP

World

Trump parts with impeachment lawyers a week before trial

The upheaval injects fresh uncertainty into the make-up and strategy of Trump’s defence team

AP

January 31, 2021

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Former US president Donald Trump parted ways with his lead impeachment lawyers about a week before his Senate trial is set to begin, sources said on Saturday.

Butch Bowers and Deborah Barbier, both South Carolina lawyers, are no longer with Mr Trump’s defence team, according to the sources.

One described the parting as a "mutual decision" that reflected a difference of opinion on the direction of the case.
Another said additions to the legal team were expected to be announced in a day or two.

The upheaval injects more uncertainty into the make-up and strategy of Mr Trump’s defence team as he prepares to face charges that he incited the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6.

Read More

Senate Republicans unite behind effort to challenge Trump impeachment trial

Trump's second impeachment trial: here's what you need to know

However, all but five Republicans senators this week voted in favour of an effort to dismiss the trial before it even started, making clear a conviction of the former president is unlikely, regardless of his defence team.

Mr Trump has struggled to find lawyers willing to defend him, after becoming the first president to be impeached twice.

He is set to stand trial in the week of February 8 on a charge that he incited his supporters to storm Congress before President Joe Biden’s inauguration, in an attempt to halt the peaceful transition of power.

After numerous lawyers who defended Mr Trump previously declined to take on the case, Mr Trump was introduced to Mr Bowers by one of his closest allies in the Senate, South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham.

Mr Bowers, a familiar figure in Republican legal circles, has years of experience representing elected officials and political candidates, including Mark Sanford, South Carolina governor at the time, against a failed impeachment effort that turned into an ethics investigation.

Republicans and aides of Mr Trump have made clear that they intend to make a simple argument in the trial: Mr Trump’s trial is unconstitutional because he is no longer in office.

While Republicans in Washington seemed eager to part ways with Mr Trump after the deadly events of January 6, they have since eased their criticism, wary of angering Mr Trump's loyal voter base.

A look back at the Trump presidency - in pictures

Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump leave the stage after the first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York on September 26, 2016. AFP
Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump leave the stage after the first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York on September 26, 2016. AFP
Demonstrators hold up placards in protest a day after Donald Trump’s victory, during a rally outside Los Angeles City Hall in Los Angeles, California, on November 9, 2016. AFP
Demonstrators hold up placards in protest a day after Donald Trump’s victory, during a rally outside Los Angeles City Hall in Los Angeles, California, on November 9, 2016. AFP
Paul Ryan, speaker of the US House of Representatives, vice president-elect Mike Pence, and president-elect Donald Trump leave the stage after speaking to supporters at a Thank You Tour 2016 rally on December 13, 2016 in West Allis, Wisconsin. AFP
Paul Ryan, speaker of the US House of Representatives, vice president-elect Mike Pence, and president-elect Donald Trump leave the stage after speaking to supporters at a Thank You Tour 2016 rally on December 13, 2016 in West Allis, Wisconsin. AFP
President Donald Trump takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts, as his wife Melania holds the Bible, and with his children Barron, Ivanka, Eric and Tiffany, on Capitol Hill in Washington, on January 27, 2017. AP
President Donald Trump takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts, as his wife Melania holds the Bible, and with his children Barron, Ivanka, Eric and Tiffany, on Capitol Hill in Washington, on January 27, 2017. AP
Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on January 20, 2017. Reuters
Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on January 20, 2017. Reuters
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump dance at the Freedom Ball in Washington, DC on January 20, 2017. EPA
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump dance at the Freedom Ball in Washington, DC on January 20, 2017. EPA
US President Donald Trump sits in the drivers seat of a semi-truck as he welcomes truckers and CEOs to the White House in Washington, DC, on March 23, 2017, to discuss healthcare. AFP
US President Donald Trump sits in the drivers seat of a semi-truck as he welcomes truckers and CEOs to the White House in Washington, DC, on March 23, 2017, to discuss healthcare. AFP
US First Lady Melania Trump listens while US President Donald Trump speaks to the press before a meeting with Argentina's President Mauricio Macri in the Oval Office of the White House on April 27, 2017 in Washington, DC. AFP
US First Lady Melania Trump listens while US President Donald Trump speaks to the press before a meeting with Argentina's President Mauricio Macri in the Oval Office of the White House on April 27, 2017 in Washington, DC. AFP
US President Donald Trump and US First lady Melania Trump, pose for a picture with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Saudi Arabia's King Salman during the inauguration of the Global Centre for Combating Extremist Ideology "Etidal" in Riyadh, on May 21, 2017. AFP
US President Donald Trump and US First lady Melania Trump, pose for a picture with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Saudi Arabia's King Salman during the inauguration of the Global Centre for Combating Extremist Ideology "Etidal" in Riyadh, on May 21, 2017. AFP
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave as they board Air Force One before leaving Riyadh to Israel, on May 22, 2017. AFP
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave as they board Air Force One before leaving Riyadh to Israel, on May 22, 2017. AFP
US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem’s Old City on May 22, 2017. AFP
US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem’s Old City on May 22, 2017. AFP
Vice President Mike Pence laughs as President Donald Trump holds a baseball bat as they attend a Made in America product showcase event at the White House in Washington, on July 17, 2017. Reuters
Vice President Mike Pence laughs as President Donald Trump holds a baseball bat as they attend a Made in America product showcase event at the White House in Washington, on July 17, 2017. Reuters
White nationalists participate in a torch-lit march on the grounds of the University of Virginia ahead of the Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 11, 2017. Reuters
White nationalists participate in a torch-lit march on the grounds of the University of Virginia ahead of the Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 11, 2017. Reuters
Donald Trump pauses to drink water while touting his foreign policy accomplishments during his trip to Asia in a speech in the Diplomatic Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on November 15, 2017. EPA
Donald Trump pauses to drink water while touting his foreign policy accomplishments during his trip to Asia in a speech in the Diplomatic Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on November 15, 2017. EPA
US President Donald Trump gestures as he meets with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un at the start of their historic US-North Korea summit, at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa island in Singapore on June 12, 2018. AFP
US President Donald Trump gestures as he meets with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un at the start of their historic US-North Korea summit, at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa island in Singapore on June 12, 2018. AFP
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin adjust their earpiece plugs during a joint press conference following their summit talks at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, on July 16, 2018. EPA
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin adjust their earpiece plugs during a joint press conference following their summit talks at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, on July 16, 2018. EPA
US President Donald Trump speaks alongside fast food he purchased for a ceremony honoring the 2018 College Football Playoff National Champion Clemson Tigers in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 14, 2019. AFP
US President Donald Trump speaks alongside fast food he purchased for a ceremony honoring the 2018 College Football Playoff National Champion Clemson Tigers in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 14, 2019. AFP
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi tears up a copy of the State of the Union address that US President Donald Trump just delivered, as US Vice President Mike Pence looks on, in front of the floor of the US House of Representatives on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on February 4, 2020. EPA
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi tears up a copy of the State of the Union address that US President Donald Trump just delivered, as US Vice President Mike Pence looks on, in front of the floor of the US House of Representatives on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on February 4, 2020. EPA
US President Donald Trump holds the front page of the Washington Post with headline 'Trump acquitted' as he speaks in the East Room of the White House a day after his Senate impeachment trial acquittal in Washington, DC on February 6, 2020. EPA
US President Donald Trump holds the front page of the Washington Post with headline 'Trump acquitted' as he speaks in the East Room of the White House a day after his Senate impeachment trial acquittal in Washington, DC on February 6, 2020. EPA
Donald Trump participates in a meeting with African American community, business and faith leaders in the Cabinet Room prior to the National African American History Month reception at the White House in Washington, DC on February 27, 2020. EPA
Donald Trump participates in a meeting with African American community, business and faith leaders in the Cabinet Room prior to the National African American History Month reception at the White House in Washington, DC on February 27, 2020. EPA
President Donald Trump holds up a Bible as he stands in front of St John's Episcopal Church across from the White House after walking there for a photo opportunity during ongoing protests over racial inequality in Washington, June 1, 2020. Reuters
President Donald Trump holds up a Bible as he stands in front of St John's Episcopal Church across from the White House after walking there for a photo opportunity during ongoing protests over racial inequality in Washington, June 1, 2020. Reuters
Donald Trump arrives for the Independence Day events at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, on July 3, 2020. AFP
Donald Trump arrives for the Independence Day events at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, on July 3, 2020. AFP
Donald Trump walks towards the media platform surrounded by his secret service detail after arriving on Air Force One at Sacramento McClellan Airport in McClelland Park, California, on September 14, 2020. The President visited Sacramento County to be briefed on the deadly wildfires that had burned more than three million acres across California. EPA
Donald Trump walks towards the media platform surrounded by his secret service detail after arriving on Air Force One at Sacramento McClellan Airport in McClelland Park, California, on September 14, 2020. The President visited Sacramento County to be briefed on the deadly wildfires that had burned more than three million acres across California. EPA
Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump, and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed hold up documents after participating in the signing of the Abraham Accords where the countries of Bahrain and the UAE recognise Israel, at the White House in Washington, DC, on September 15, 2020. AFP
Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump, and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed hold up documents after participating in the signing of the Abraham Accords where the countries of Bahrain and the UAE recognise Israel, at the White House in Washington, DC, on September 15, 2020. AFP
President Donald Trump speaks, with a flag behind him, during a campaign rally at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida, on September 24, 2020. Reuters
President Donald Trump speaks, with a flag behind him, during a campaign rally at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida, on September 24, 2020. Reuters
Donald Trump, Joe Biden and moderator, NBC News anchor, Kristen Welker participate in the final presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 22, 2020. AFP
Donald Trump, Joe Biden and moderator, NBC News anchor, Kristen Welker participate in the final presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 22, 2020. AFP
President Donald Trump returns to the White House from playing golf in Washington, DC on November 7, 2020, after Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election. AFP
President Donald Trump returns to the White House from playing golf in Washington, DC on November 7, 2020, after Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election. AFP
An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of US President Donald Trump gather in front of the US Capitol Building in Washington, on January 6, 2021. Reuters
An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of US President Donald Trump gather in front of the US Capitol Building in Washington, on January 6, 2021. Reuters
US President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up after touring a section of the border wall in Alamo, Texas on January 12, 2021. AFP
US President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up after touring a section of the border wall in Alamo, Texas on January 12, 2021. AFP
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK 

Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
In numbers

1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily:

  • 800 tonnes converted into alternative fuel
  • 150 tonnes to landfill
  • 50 tonnes sold as scrap metal

800 tonnes of RDF replaces 500 tonnes of coal

Two conveyor lines treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year

25 staff on site

 

On Women's Day
While you're here
In%20the%20Land%20of%20Saints%20and%20Sinners
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERobert%20Lorenz%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Liam%20Neeson%2C%20Kerry%20Condon%2C%20Jack%20Gleeson%2C%20Ciaran%20Hinds%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Women%E2%80%99s%20Asia%20Cup
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20fixtures%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESun%20Oct%202%2C%20v%20Sri%20Lanka%3Cbr%3ETue%20Oct%204%2C%20v%20India%3Cbr%3EWed%20Oct%205%2C%20v%20Malaysia%3Cbr%3EFri%20Oct%207%2C%20v%20Thailand%3Cbr%3ESun%20Oct%209%2C%20v%20Pakistan%3Cbr%3ETue%20Oct%2011%2C%20v%20Bangladesh%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20squad%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EChaya%20Mughal%20(captain)%2C%20Esha%20Oza%2C%20Kavisha%20Kumari%2C%20Khushi%20Sharma%2C%20Theertha%20Satish%2C%20Lavanya%20Keny%2C%20Priyanjali%20Jain%2C%20Suraksha%20Kotte%2C%20Natasha%20Cherriath%2C%20Indhuja%20Nandakumar%2C%20Rishitha%20Rajith%2C%20Vaishnave%20Mahesh%2C%20Siya%20Gokhale%2C%20Samaira%20Dharnidharka%2C%20Mahika%20Gaur%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
'Panga'

Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari

Starring Kangana Ranaut, Richa Chadha, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Neena Gupta

Rating: 3.5/5

Day 2, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Dinesh Chandimal has inherited a challenging job, after being made Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He responded in perfect fashion, with an easy-natured century against Pakistan. He brought up three figures with a majestic cover drive, which he just stood and admired.

Stat of the day – 33 It took 33 balls for Dilruwan Perera to get off the mark. His time on zero was eventful enough. The Sri Lankan No 7 was given out LBW twice, but managed to have both decisions overturned on review. The TV replays showed both times that he had inside edged the ball onto his pad.

The verdict In the two previous times these two sides have met in Abu Dhabi, the Tests have been drawn. The docile nature of proceedings so far makes that the likely outcome again this time, but both sides will be harbouring thoughts that they can force their way into a winning position.

While you're here
While you're here
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Saturday (UAE kick-off times)

Cologne v Union Berlin (5.30pm)

Fortuna Dusseldorf v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)

Hertha Berlin v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)

Paderborn v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)

Wolfsburg v Freiburg (5.30pm)

Bayern Munich v Borussia Monchengladbach (8.30pm)

Sunday

Mainz v Augsburg (5.30pm)

Schalke v Bayer Leverkusen (8pm)

While you're here

Tewellah by Nawal Zoghbi is out now.

ABU DHABI ORDER OF PLAY

Starting at 10am:

Daria Kasatkina v Qiang Wang

Veronika Kudermetova v Annet Kontaveit (10)

Maria Sakkari (9) v Anastasia Potapova

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Ons Jabeur (15)

Donna Vekic (16) v Bernarda Pera 

Ekaterina Alexandrova v Zarina Diyas

While you're here
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
FULL%20RESULTS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMiddleweight%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EEslam%20Syaha%20(EGY)%20bt%20Robin%20Roos%20(SWE)%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EWelterweight%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAlex%20da%20Silva%20(BRA)%20bt%20Bagyash%20Zharmamatov%20(KGZ)%20%0D%3Cbr%3EMurodov%20Samandar%20(TJK)%20bt%20Lucas%20Sampaio%20(BRA)%20%0D%3Cbr%3EShakhban%20Alkhasov%20(RUS)%20bt%20Salamat%20Orozakunov%20(KGZ)%0D%3Cbr%3EKhotamjon%20Boynazarov%20(UZB)%20bt%20Mikail%20Bayram%20(FRA)%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBantamweight%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EJieleyisi%20Baergeng%20(CHN)%20bt%20Xavier%20Alaoui%20(CAN)%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFlyweight%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERashid%20Vagabov%20(RUS)%20bt%20Lun%20Qui%20(CHN)%20%0D%3Cbr%3EYamato%20Fujita%20(JPN)%20bt%20Furkatbek%20Yokubov%20(UZB)%20%0D%3Cbr%3EAaron%20Aby%20(WLS)%20bt%20Joevincent%20So%20(PHI)%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECatchweight%20176lb%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMark%20Hulm%20(RSA)%20bt%20Erkin%20Darmenov%20(KAZ)%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECatchweight%20160lb%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERustam%20Serbiev%20(BEL)%20bt%20Anar%20Huseyinov%20(AZE)%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECatchweight%20150lb%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIslam%20Reda%20(EGY)%20bt%20Ernie%20Braca%20(PHI)%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFlyweight%20(women)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3EBaktygul%20Kurmanbekova%20(KGZ)%20bt%20Maria%20Eugenia%20Zbrun%20(ARG)%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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