The senator was not optimistic that Trump would step down before his term ends on Jan. 20. Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, has said an impeachment trial could not begin before Inauguration Day, Jan. 20. WATCH | Former White House chief of staff says Trump should resign:Former White House chief of staff says Trump should resign CBC News Video 8:21 Former secretary of defense, director of CIA, and White House chief of staff, Leon Panetta, says Donald Trump should resign and allow Mike Pence to steer the final days of the administration. But, he said, "I honestly don't think impeachment is the smart move because I think it victimizes Donald Trump again." Trump has few fellow Republicans speaking out in his defence, and the White House declined to comment on the new Republican calls for resignation.

Source: CBC News January 10, 2021 18:52 UTC