When the impeachment trial ends, the Senate's reputation will be hopelessly in tatters

[Eyeball_Kid]

2. Put another way,

Trump attacked the FRAMEWORK OF THE CONSTITUTION. And the GOP agreed that the framework could be dissolved. So now, the framework will apply to anyone EXCEPT the Executive Branch. But the trial set the precedent. The effects of a dissolved framework WILL spread to all branches of government. If there ever were a legitimate illustration of "trickle-down" process, this will be it. The dissolution of the framework will spread downward and attack the principle assumptions that underly the criminal code. Trump's codified lawlessness will not be limited to Trump. The DOJ will have weakened standing to even prosecute cases when defendants cite Trump's "legal lawlessness."

All of the departments of the executive branch can also cite Trump's autocratic position as reason for ALL OF THEM to be lawless. The DOJ might lose standing to prosecute cases, but it will massively GAIN power to carry out Trump's various punishments and harassments of perceived enemies. Trump will use the DOJ to destroy anyone and everyone who crosses him. Watch. And stay out of the way, unless you want to risk getting chewed up.