Donald Trump acquitted by Republican allies who hope other courtrooms will release his grip on party

The Senate impeachment trial was Donald Trump’s to lose.

The 45th US president of the United States became the first in history to face a second Senate impeachment trial. He was once again acquitted, this time of the charge of inciting an insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6.

But even after leaving office, Mr Trump has held onto the same staunch support from Republican senators that saw him acquitted in his first Senate trial last year.

Democrats needed 17 Republicans to break ranks and join with them in order to secure a conviction and it was a tall order right from the outset.

A fleeting moment of solidarity came with the opening prayer from Senate chaplain Barry Black: “Lord, infuse them with a spirit of non-partisan patriotism….