FT News Briefing Tuesday, January 21
Jan 21, 2020
The U.S. Senate trial for Donald Trump kicks off, sparking intense political drama as contentious rules are laid down. Meanwhile, Huawei's Meng Wanzhou fights extradition claims, labeling them as mere fiction, stirring U.S.-China tensions. France signals a potential thaw in digital tax disputes with the U.S., seeking a mutually beneficial resolution. On the Brexit front, heated negotiations unfold as the UK faces the prospect of fines if it breaches trade deal terms with the EU, bringing uncertainty to its post-Brexit trade landscape.
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Impeachment Trial Begins
- The US Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump begins, with proposed rules by Mitch McConnell causing outrage among Democrats.
- Marathon hearings are expected, with each side having 24 hours over two days to present arguments.
Trump's Defense
- Trump's legal team published a 171-page document outlining his defense.
- Their arguments focus on process criticisms and challenging the articles of impeachment.
Meng Wanzhou Extradition
- Meng Wanzhou's lawyers argue the US extradition case is "fiction" and meant to punish her for violating US sanctions against Iran.
- They claim the case is about Trump's foreign policy, not the stated bank fraud charges.