Trump's defense encountered significant setbacks.

At the onset of his second impeachment trial, the entire legal team of former President Donald Trump has resigned. This unexpected development has thrown what was already poised to be a dramatic and unprecedented spectacle in the Senate into further disarray.

Reports suggest that Trump intends to persist in perpetuating the same baseless claim that triggered the Capitol insurrection - that the election was stolen from him - the very allegation that led to his second impeachment.

The resignations of all five of Trump's attorneys indicate a significant breakdown within the defense team. Notably, these lawyers boast backgrounds that include service in the Justice Department, with lead attorney Butch Bowers specializing in government ethics. Such a drastic move by seasoned legal professionals suggests a compelling underlying cause.

While defense attorneys are duty-bound to vigorously advocate for their clients, ethical boundaries must be respected. According to the American Bar Association, it is unethical for an attorney to knowingly assert a falsehood. The narrative of a "rigged election" unquestionably falls into this category.

The crux of the discord between Trump and his former legal team appears to stem from his insistence on pursuing the "stolen election" defense. While his defenders could have conceivably argued constitutional and First Amendment grounds for his defense, the "stolen election" narrative breaches ethical norms.