Schumer’s office says it will accept Trump’s lawyer request to delay impeachment trial over Sabbath

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“We respect their request and of course we will respond. Conversations with the parties concerned about the structure of the trial are continuing,” said Justin Goodman, a spokesperson for Schumer.

The New York Times was the first to report on the developments. Attorney David Schoen’s letter obtained by The Times asked that the trial, which is due to begin on Tuesday, be suspended if it is not completed by the start of the Sabbath at 5:24 p.m. on Friday and then again on Sunday.

It would take an agreement between the senators to hold the trial on a Sunday.

“I apologize for the inconvenience that my request not to initiate impeachment proceedings during the Jewish Sabbath will undoubtedly lead to others involved in the proceedings,” Schoen said in the letter obtained by The Times. “The practices and prohibitions are binding on me, however; so, respectfully, I have no choice but to make this request.”

Schoen’s letter was sent to Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, as well as Democratic Senator Patrick J. Leahy, the acting Senate Speaker who will preside over the trial.

The final outcome of the trial does not appear to be in doubt: Trump is likely to be acquitted by the Senate for the second time, well below the two-thirds of the votes needed for conviction.

Senators on both sides urged a swift trial, with Democrats keen to push President Joe Biden’s agenda forward, including adopting a broad Covid-19 relief package, and confirming his cabinet candidates.

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