Rand Paul: “article II, section 4 of the Constitution says: ``The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United…”

“article II, section 4 of the Constitution says: ``The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.'' Article I, section 3, clause 6 states: ``When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside.'' As of noon last Wednesday, Donald Trump holds none of the positions listed in the Constitution. He is a private citizen. The Presiding Officer is not the Chief Justice, nor does he claim to be. His presence in the Chief Justice's absence demonstrates that this is not a trial of the President but of a private citizen. Point of Order Therefore, I make a point of order that this proceeding, which would try a private citizen and not a President, a Vice President, or civil officer, violates the Constitution and is not in order. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the precedents of the Senate regarding constitutional points of order, including those of the Senate while sitting as a Court of Impeachment, the Chair submits the question to the Senate: Is the point of order well taken? The majority leader.”