Sen. Chris Van Hollen Christopher (Chris) Van HollenCongress must finish work on popular conservation bill before time runs out Democrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate Mid-Atlantic states sue EPA over Chesapeake Bay pollution MORE (D-Md.) questioned whether Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellHawley warns Schumer to steer clear of Catholic-based criticisms of Barrett Senate GOP set to vote on Trump's Supreme Court pick before election Harris slams Trump's Supreme Court pick as an attempt to 'destroy the Affordable Care Act' MORE (R-Ky.) will “try to rig” the impeachment trial by teaming up with President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden says voters should choose who nominates Supreme Court justice Trump, Biden will not shake hands at first debate due to COVID-19 Pelosi: Trump Supreme Court pick 'threatens' Affordable Care Act MORE.

Van Hollen told Jon Karl on ABC’s “This Week” that Senate Democrats are pushing for a “fair trial” where they are permitted to call witnesses and obtain necessary documents.

"Is Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, going to try to rig this trial, working in lockstep with the president and his lawyers? Or is he going to allow a fair trial?" Van Hollen asked.

"We keep hearing President Trump say he's going to be exonerated," he added. "Look, if you have a rigged trial there's no exoneration in acquittal."

Sen. Chris Van Hollen: "Is (McConnell) going to try to rig this trial ... working in lockstep with the president?"



"We keep hearing President Trump say he's going to be exonerated. Look, if you have a rigged trial there's no exoneration in acquittal." https://t.co/0cKQz1R6ux pic.twitter.com/nkGRjokX3t — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) December 29, 2019

Van Hollen said it was “too early” to tell how many Republicans will support more witnesses and documents in the trial but added that those who vote against it will be “complicit in a cover-up.”

The senator said he believes Speaker Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiPelosi: Trump Supreme Court pick 'threatens' Affordable Care Act Sunday shows preview: Lawmakers prepare for SCOTUS confirmation hearings before election Will Democrats attempt to pack the Supreme Court again? MORE (D-Calif.) will send over the articles of impeachment leading to a trial.

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The House voted to impeach Trump on two articles earlier this month, sending the matter to the Senate for trial. The GOP-majority Senate is expected to acquit the president.