President Donald Trump's historic second impeachment caps a week of unprecedented upheaval in Washington, underscoring how seriously divided the nation is and dogging lawmakers with questions of how best to heal gaping wounds Trump inflicted on the nation. A Senate vote to convict Trump seems likely to deepen the divisions. But a failure to punish him for inciting an attack on Congress can only invite more intransigence and lawlessness. The only realistic option is to strip Trump of his powers and permanently disqualify him from ever holding elective office again.

Missouri's two Republican senators play pivotal roles in what happens next. Extremist Sen. Josh Hawley was actively involved in whipping up Trump supporters with lies about a stolen Nov. 3 election. Now humbled, Hawley has fallen silent as he faces possible censure for his role. But the chances of Hawley acquiring a conscience and voting to convict Trump are probably nil. His soul is sold.

Sen. Roy Blunt holds a key leadership role and seems much more likely to judge this case on its substantial merits. Blunt foolishly suggested Sunday that Trump no longer posed a threat because he had "touched the hot stove" and learned his lesson. But Trump, speaking in Texas Tuesday, made clear he had learned nothing. He again threatened Congress, saying, "As the expression goes: Be careful what you wish for. The impeachment hoax is a continuation of the greatest and most vicious witch hunt in the history of our country, and it is causing tremendous anger and division and pain ... which is very dangerous for the USA, especially at this very tender time."

The implication was clear: Proceed with impeachment, and Trump will unleash his radical militias to attack again.

Now Blunt and other Republicans must balance the frightening potential of elevated personal risk to themselves and their families against the risks to the nation if Trump is allowed to go unpunished for his abuses and crimes. We don't envy their predicament, but the mere fact that they feel threatened is because they previously failed to summon courage and challenge Trump's incessantly inflammatory rhetoric. To Trump, anything short of impeachment and removal would constitute vindication.

"The bottom line is this: This Capitol was stormed," said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass. "The president instigated an attempted coup in this country. People died. Everybody should be outraged, whether you're a Democrat or a Republican. If this is not an impeachable offense, I don't know what the hell is."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell reportedly believes the president committed impeachable offenses and wants his party to make a clean break with Trump. The No. 3 House Republican, Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, already has made that break with Trump. This isn't about vengeance; it's about eliminating a clear and present national security threat emanating from the White House.

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