I thought a successful impeachment removed that protection, along with his pension etc. ?
Can a knowledgeable American confirm or deny this, please ?
Yes, he would be stripped of all of it IF the Senate convicts. Think of the House impeachment as kind of an INDICTMENT? It still holds and goes down in history as an impeachment, but it is without teeth. If and when the Senate CONVICTS him, then yes everything is stripped from him.
I am not sure they have the votes in the Senate, even after the dems take control. Remember it takes a 2/3 majority meaning that many Republicans will have to turn on Trump. It's not all that unforeseeable given that McConnell has basically given the okay with his own language regarding impeachment. Even though McConnell is going to be the Minority leader, he still holds much weight with the Republicans.
It is still not a foregone conclusion by any means. A lot can happen between now and then. Trump is busy trying to pretend to be a president, speaking about peace and calm, some of them may wonder why bother after he's already out of office, and so on.
The usual voices are speaking up saying they would support, like Murkkowski of Alaska, but she is flaky as hell. She says one thing and then votes another. Pretty sure Romney will vote to impeach, but he doesn't seem to be able to rally others. It's going to all come down to McConnell and how badly he wants to separate the Republican party from Trump.
Hope that all makes ssnse.
From Fox, I know, I know...but keep in mind that McConnell was also one that the terrorists had high on their list to murder. He doesn't seem to be as forgiving as Pence. But, who knows what will happen between now and then. McConnell is a political creature and will only support it if it benefits him. He can change his mind on a whim or more likely some calculated political move.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell supports Democrats' move to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Trump and is “done” and “furious" with him, sources familiar told Fox News.
www.foxnews.com