Donald Trump is reportedly adding some seasoned attorneys to help defend him during his Senate impeachment trial. CNN reports:

People familiar with the matter said, including Kenneth Starr, the hard-charging prosecutor whose work led to President Bill Clinton’s impeachment. Alan Dershowitz, the constitutional lawyer, and Robert Ray, Starr’s successor at the Office of Independent Counsel during the Clinton administration, are also joining the team, the people said.

In the 90’s, Ken Starr argued a consensual affair was impeachable. Now, he says using military aid to solicit a bribe – which GAO calls a crime – is not. He forced Clinton’s secret service agents to testify. Now he’ll oppose Bolton testifying. I will discuss on @CNN at noon.

— Paul Begala (@PaulBegala) January 17, 2020

The team will apparently be rounded out by White House counsel Pat Cipollone, attorney Jay Sekulow, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and, Trump personal attorney Jane Raskin.

President Trump is expected to add Ken Starr, Alan Dershowitz and Robert Ray to his impeachment legal defense team, according to people familiar with the matter. @kaitlancollins reports. https://t.co/kGVpY1O0Zh pic.twitter.com/hTm0pyhIc0

— CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) January 17, 2020

Dershowitz may be the most surprising name on the list, especially with recent revelations about his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. AXIOS writes:

Several White House officials told me they were hoping Trump wouldn’t pick Alan Dershowitz to play a role in the Senate trial.They said it was an unforced error given the team was already strong and he has close, publicly documented ties to Jeffrey Epstein which could become a distraction.

But Trump thinks Dershowitz is magnificent on TV, a White House official told me.

Full statement from a spokesman for Trump legal team pic.twitter.com/iYzqZE5kol

— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) January 17, 2020

Also, by selecting Dershowitz to argue on constitutionality, is the White House admitting the House has a strong case?

At the end of the day, 2 questions here: 1) are the factual contentions true; and 2) do they amount to an impeachable offense. Selection of Starr, Dersh suggest that WH is resigned to having to argue both, ie to acknowloverwhelming case that the allegations are factually correct

— Harry Litman (@harrylitman) January 17, 2020