Lieu: Trump incited insurrection, support declined

California congressman Ted Lieu, one of the managers House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tapped to argue the case for former President Donald Trump's impeachment says the actions of Trump cannot be ignored.

Lieu told the Associated Press Friday, "none of us want to be doing this trial." Adding: "But we can't just ignore January 6 and pretend it didn't happen. This was an attack on our Capitol by violent mob. It was an attack on our nation instigated by our commander in chief. We have to address that and make sure it never happens again."

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer announced Pelosi's intentions for a quick trial on the Senate floor Friday, rejecting Republicans' proposal to push it to mid-February to give Trump more time to prepare his case. Schumer said there will be "a full trial, it will be a fair trial."

Pelosi said her nine impeachment managers, or House prosecutors, are "ready to begin to make their case" against Trump. She said Trump's team will have had the same amount of time.

Trump, who told his supporters to "fight like hell" just before they invaded the Capitol two weeks ago and stopped the electoral vote count, is the first president to be twice impeached and the first to face a trial after leaving office. He is still assembling his legal team.

While the transmission of the article starts the trial proceedings, the schedule remains uncertain as the Senate, now in Democratic control, is also working to swiftly confirm President Joe Biden's Cabinet nominees and tackle the new administration's legislative priorities.

Biden has repeatedly said that he believes the Senate can do both. Schumer said he is also speaking to Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell about the "timing and duration" of the proceedings ahead.

Democrats would need the support of at least 17 Republicans to convict Trump, a high bar. While most Republican senators condemned Trump's actions that day, far fewer appear to be ready to convict.

A handful of Senate Republicans have indicated they are open - but not committed - to conviction. But most have said they believe a trial will be divisive and questioned the legality of trying a president after he has left office.

Lieu said, "I believe a number of Republican senators will realize that they need to have a separation from the former president because of the insurrection."

Lieu expressed his eagerness to get started on the legislative priorities like COVID relief and infrastructure but said first the matter at hand is prosecuting the crimes of Donald Trump.

He said, "There is a law on the books saying you cannot incite insurrection. "

Adding, "At issue here is presidential conduct. Donald Trump knew the power of his words. He used the power of his words and he incited this mob to violently attack our Capitol, to try to stop Congress from formalizing his defeat."

"We have to be able to impeach and convict former presidents to make sure that future presidents don't ever try this again."