Biden issues statement regarding Trump impeachment acquittal

"Today, 57 Senators – including a record 7 Republicans – voted to find former President Trump guilty for inciting that deadly insurrection on our very democracy," Biden said.

"While the final vote did not lead to a conviction, the substance of the charge is not in dispute," he continued, arguing that even Republicans who voted to acquit the former President such as Mitch McConnell have criticized Trump for his behaviour during the riot.

Trump was "practically and morally responsible for provoking," McConnell said shortly after voting to acquit him.

"This sad chapter in our history has reminded us that democracy is fragile. That it must always be defended. That we must be ever vigilant. That violence and extremism has no place in America. And that each of us has a duty and responsibility as Americans, and especially as leaders, to defend the truth and to defeat the lies."

Trump was acquitted by a vote of 57-43 on charges of inciting an insurrection at Capitol Hill on Jan 6. While a majority of Senators voted to convict the former President, a two thirds majority is required for successful conviction of an impeached President.