DONALD Trump has claimed the MAGA journey "has only just begun" after he survived the impeachment vote.
The Senate vote of 57-43 fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to convict.
Trump welcomed his acquittal, repeating his claims of a "witch hunt" and saying that his movement "has only just begun".
In the vote, seven of the 50 Senate Republicans joined the chamber's unified Democrats in favoring conviction after the five-day trial in the same building that was invaded by Trump fanatics during a violent riot on January 6.
Seven Republicans broke ranks and voted to convict Trump: Richard Burr of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.
In a statement Trump said: “Our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun.
"In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people. There has never been anything like it!” Trump said.
“It is a sad commentary on our times that one political party in America is given a free pass to denigrate the rule of law, defame law enforcement, cheer mobs, excuse rioters, and transform justice into a tool of political vengeance, and persecute, blacklist, cancel and suppress all people and viewpoints with whom or which they disagree.
"I always have, and always will, be a champion for the unwavering rule of law, the heroes of law enforcement, and the right of Americans to peacefully and honorably debate the issues of the day without malice and without hate.”
Trump attorney Michael van der Veen said in his closing remarks that Democrats were hypocritical for impeaching Trump over a pre-riot speech and claimed the impeachment was unconstitutional.
“Throughout the summer Democrat leaders including the current president and vice president repeatedly made comments that provided moral comfort to mobs attacking police officers,” van der Veen said.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said anyone who had voted to acquit Trump should be ashamed of themselves.
“The failure to convict Donald Trump will live as a vote of infamy in the history of the United States Senate,” Schumer said.
More to follow…
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