Rand Paul seen doodling during hearing
Credit: Greg Nash/Shutterstock
"I feel I had a little bit better view,” Mr Hawley told NBC news.
“I can also space out a little bit more and it’s just not quite as crowded.”
Other Republicans, appeared to take the hearing more seriously, intently watching the videos of the mob storming through the Capitol.
On occasions the Democrats have been similarly dismissive – although the target of their ridicule has been the defence case.
Several could not contain their amusement at the defence’s lengthy video montage showing Democrats urging supporters to “fight”.
Senators’ demeanour has been somewhat different from the first impeachment trial, when they listened closely to the arguments – even though there was little chance they would vote to convict Mr Trump.
Josh Hawley watched proceedings from the gallery
Credit: Nicholas Kamm/AFP
Prior to the first Trump impeachment hearing, the Senate issued guidelines aimed at setting standards of behaviour appropriate for such a momentous occasion.
Senators were instructed to leave their mobile phones and other electrical devices outside the chamber and to refrain from talking among themselves while the case was being presented.
They were also told that reading material should be limited to papers relevant to the trial.
However, with Mr Trump having left office, many Republicans view the second impeachment as pointless and unconstitutional.
Several have dismissed the entire process as little more than a show trial.
Some senators, who are acting as jurors, even left the chamber while arguments were presented.
Wisconsin Republican, Ron Johnson, told reporters that he expected the trial to be “pretty tedious”, adding: "You can do it in a couple hours, and be done with this."
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