The impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump will be paused if it runs into the Sabbath, in order to accommodate a request from one of his lawyers, who is an observant Jew.
Trump impeachment attorney David Schoen asked that the trial — which begins Tuesday — be placed on temporary hold from sundown Friday through Saturday.
“I apologize for the inconvenience my request that impeachment proceedings not be conducted during the Jewish Sabbath undoubtedly will cause other people involved in the proceedings,” Schoen wrote in a letter to Senate leaders last week.
“The practices and prohibitions are mandatory for me, however; so, respectfully, I have no choice but to make this request.”
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Sunday said the Senate would grant Schoen’s request.
“We respect their request and of course will accommodate it. Conversations with the relevant parties about the structure of the trial continue,” said Schumer spokesman Angelo Roefaro.
