January 22, 2021: Republicans in the US Senate are asking Democrats to delay the start of former President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial until February. According to republicans, this will give Mr. Trump time to prepare a defense.

The House of Representatives charged Mr. Trump with inciting insurrection at the US Capitol, paving the way for a Senate trial to see him barred from holding public office.

The Senate’s top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, is the in-charge to review the request.

Some Democrats ask for a delay, but others say a speedy trial is required that will allow the country to move on.

 Trump did not attend the inauguration of Joe Biden on Wednesday and flew to Florida on the same day.

A week after the dangerous riot, Trump became the first US president to be impeached twice.

Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said he had asked House Democrats to hold off sending the single impeachment article to the Senate until January 28, the move that would start the trial’s first phase. Trump would then have two weeks to submit his pre-trial defense.

Republicans, who as of Wednesday no longer control the Senate, need the new Democratic majority leader, Mr. Schumer, to agree to the idea.

Ten House Republicans sided with Democrats in impeaching the outgoing president on January 14. Even though Democrats now narrowly control the Senate, they would need at least 17 Republicans to convict Mr. Trump because a two-thirds vote is required.

Some Senate Republicans have indicated they are open to conviction, but most have either cast doubt on the legality of trying a president after he has left office.