Accused of “creating a powder keg, striking a match, and then seeking personal advantage from the ensuing havoc,” former US president Donald Trump’s impeachment trial will be underway this time tomorrow. Democrats will use Trump’s own words against him in their quest to see him convicted of inciting insurrection. They say that happened when he urged a 6 January rally of supporters to “show strength” and march on Washington’s Capitol. Five people were killed in the process, including a police officer. Trump’s side says he did not call for any violence. One certainty: not enough Republicans will vote with Democrats to see him found guilty. So what’s the point? The gravity of events meant they couldn’t go unanswered – on that senior Democrats and Republicans agree. How long the trial will go for and whether Trump will be forced to appear are details that are yet to be settled.