CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., will vote to convict President Donald Trump on two articles of impeachment.
Manchin announced his decision ahead of the Senate’s vote on Wednesday that will conclude the impeachment trial.
Trump faces abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges stemming from a phone call with Ukraine’s leader asking for an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
In a statement, Manchin cited the writers of the U.S. Constitution and the checks and balances between branches of government.
“The greatest fear the Framers had was foreign intervention into our fragile democracy and they warned us of the tremendous harm toxic partisanship could have on our democratic system,” he said. “Sadly the partisan episode that unfolded in the United States Senate betrays the duties entrusted to this body by the Constitution.”
Manchin also criticized Trump and the Senate’s handling of its trial, including the refusal not to consider additional witnesses or evidence.
“I have always wanted a fair trial in the Senate, and I am disappointed the President, his counsel, and a majority of my Republican colleagues decided not to support the inclusion of additional witnesses and documents during the trial, resulting in the first Senate impeachment trial of a President without witnesses,” he said.
“Despite the false claim that a President can do no wrong, the President is not entitled to act with blatant disregard for an equal branch of government or use the superpower status of the United States to condition our support of democracy and our allies on any political favor. That is not who we are as a country.”
Manchin remained undecided leading up to Wednesday’s announcement.
“I take no pleasure in these votes, and am saddened this is the legacy we leave our children and grandchildren,” he said. “I have always wanted this President, and every President to succeed, but I deeply love our country and must do what I think is best for the nation.”
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., will vote to acquit Trump. A two-thirds majority is needed to remove Trump from office.
This story is developing.