Thune Signals He Could Support a Measure To Hold Trump Accountable

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is suggesting that his Republican colleagues might be willing to support a censure resolution to punish former President Donald Trump for what lawmakers say is his role in inciting the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Thune suggested that Republicans might support a censure resolution to punish Trump, "I have seen some resolutions that could attract some support."

When asked if he could support a censure resolution, Thune reportedly nodded and said, "Yes."

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The Senate is conducting a trial to determine whether to convict Trump on the charge of "incitement of insurrection" for what lawmakers say is his role in inciting the violence.

However, it is seen as unlikely that there will be the required two-thirds majority, or 67-votes, to convict Trump.

The majority of the Senate Republican caucus has twice voted to declare the trial of Trump unconstitutional, as IJR reported . A vote to convict would require at least 17 Republicans to defect.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) had been pushing his colleagues to support a censure resolution as it appeared unlikely that there would be enough votes to convict Trump.

"I think it's important for the Senate's leadership to understand that there are alternatives," he told CNN in January. "If we can't get to 67 votes for impeachment, there may be another way to hold President Trump accountable."

He added, "This is an alternative that would impose, in my view, a similar consequence, but it does not require a trial, and it does not require a two-thirds vote."

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) also voiced support for a censure resolution, "It seems to me there is benefit in looking at an alternative that might be able to garner bipartisan support."