Trump’s Top Impeachment Lawyers Leave Team Days Before Trial

Butch Bowers, who joined former President Trump’s defense team as a top impeachment lawyer, has parted ways with Trump, just nine days before his trial.

C. Aluka Berry / The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

With just over a week before his second impeachment trial begins, former President Donald Trump’s legal defense team is in flux after at least two key departures.

Two of his lead impeachment lawyers, Butch Bowers and Deborah Barbier, and Trump parted ways, a source familiar with the matter told NPR. The South Carolina-based lawyers’ departure was a “mutual decision,” the person said, but no explanation was given.

The Associated Press reports that two former federal prosecutors from South Carolina, Greg Harris and Johnny Gasser, have also left the team. CNN says North Carolina lawyer Josh Howard is out too, meaning all five members of Trump’s legal team have left. NPR has not independently confirmed these reports.