Back to all resources

Timeline: Key Events Leading to Trump's Second Impeachment Trial

Updated: June 21, 2023
Timeline: Key Events Leading to Trump's Second Impeachment Trial

As the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump approaches, we've compiled a chronological timeline of the key events that led to this historic second impeachment:

November 3, 2020: Presidential election is held, with Joe Biden eventually declared the winner.

November 4-December 14, 2020: Trump campaign files numerous lawsuits challenging election results in multiple states. Over 60 legal challenges are ultimately dismissed by courts at various levels.

December 19, 2020: Trump tweets about a "big protest" on January 6, stating "Be there, will be wild!"

January 2, 2021: Trump holds phone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, asking him to "find 11,780 votes."

January 6, 2021, morning: Trump addresses supporters at "Save America" rally near White House, urging them to "fight much harder" and "show strength."

January 6, 2021, afternoon: Protesters breach Capitol building while Congress is certifying Electoral College votes. Five people ultimately die in connection with the riot.

January 7, 2021: Congress confirms Biden's Electoral College victory after session resumes.

January 11, 2021: Article of impeachment formally introduced in House of Representatives, charging Trump with "incitement of insurrection."

January 13, 2021: House votes to impeach Trump by a margin of 232-197, with 10 Republicans joining all Democrats in support.

This timeline represents the swift progression of events leading to an unprecedented second impeachment of a U.S. president, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the allegations involved.