In a major verdict, the US Supreme Court today ruled that President Donald Trump must hand over his tax returns.

The Supreme Court, however, temporarily blocked the US Congress from accessing Trump's financial records. The top court gave the verdict 7-2 against the US president asserting that he did not have absolute immunity from criminal investigation.

"Two hundred years ago, a great jurist of our Court established that no citizen, not even the President, is categorically above the common duty to produce evidence when called upon in a criminal proceeding," it said, adding."We reaffirm that principle today."

Trump hit back calling the verdict: "prosecutorial misconduct".

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POLITICAL WITCH HUNT!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1281260329247399936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"This is all a political prosecution, now I have to keep fighting in a politically corrupt New York. Not fair to this Presidency or administration, the US president lamented.

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The Supreme Court sends case back to Lower Court, arguments to continue. This is all a political prosecution. I won the Mueller Witch Hunt, and others, and now I have to keep fighting in a politically corrupt New York. Not fair to this Presidency or Administration!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1281236214646034432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi said that the party will press for financial records to be handed over to Congress asserting that the party "will continue to press our case in the lower courts."

Trump had promised to release his tax returns during the 2016 presidential campaign but has since refused to give details. The US president is not mandated to reveal his personal finances.

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PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1281209521675874304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The case was brought by Manhattan district attorney Cyrus Vance, a Democrat who has been investigating &nbsp;Trump's financial records in connection with an alleged payment made to porn actress Stormy Daniels.

Trump has called the verdict a "political witchhunt" and has maintained that he has done nothing wrong.

"Courts in the past have given “broad deference”. but not me," Trump fumed on Twitter, adding, "I won the Mueller witch hunt and others, and now I have to keep fighting in a politically corrupt New York. Not fair to this presidency or administration!" 
&nbsp;

In a major verdict, the US Supreme Court today ruled that President Donald Trump must hand over his tax returns. The Supreme Court, however, temporarily blocked the US Congress from accessing Trump's financial records.

In a major verdict, the US Supreme Court today ruled that President Donald Trump must hand over his tax returns. The Supreme Court, however, temporarily blocked the US Congress from accessing Trump's financial records. The top court gave the verdict 7-2 against the US president asserting that he did not have absolute immunity from criminal investigation. "Two hundred years ago, a great jurist of our Court established that no citizen, not even the President, is categorically above the common duty to produce evidence when called upon in a criminal proceeding," it said, adding."We reaffirm that principle today." Trump hit back calling the verdict: "prosecutorial misconduct". POLITICAL WITCH HUNT! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2020 × "This is all a political prosecution, now I have to keep fighting in a politically corrupt New York. Not fair to this Presidency or administration, the US president lamented. The Supreme Court sends case back to Lower Court, arguments to continue. This is all a political prosecution. I won the Mueller Witch Hunt, and others, and now I have to keep fighting in a politically corrupt New York. Not fair to this Presidency or Administration! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2020 × Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi said that the party will press for financial records to be handed over to Congress asserting that the party "will continue to press our case in the lower courts." Trump had promised to release his tax returns during the 2016 presidential campaign but has since refused to give details. The US president is not mandated to reveal his personal finances. PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2020 × The case was brought by Manhattan district attorney Cyrus Vance, a Democrat who has been investigating Trump's financial records in connection with an alleged payment made to porn actress Stormy Daniels. Trump has called the verdict a "political witchhunt" and has maintained that he has done nothing wrong. "Courts in the past have given “broad deference”. but not me," Trump fumed on Twitter, adding, "I won the Mueller witch hunt and others, and now I have to keep fighting in a politically corrupt New York. Not fair to this presidency or administration!"

US Supreme Court orders release of Trump's tax returns; president calls it 'political witch hunt'

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday&nbsp;ordered the removal from the US Capitol of four portraits of former lawmakers who served in the Confederacy, saying their images symbolise "grotesque racism."

Pelosi has asked the US House clerk to conduct the "immediate removal" of the paintings on Friday when Americans observe Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

"There is no room in the hallowed halls of Congress or in any place of honour for memorialising men who embody the violent bigotry and grotesque racism of the Confederacy," the top Democrat wrote to the clerk, Cheryl Johnson.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/emancipation-day-juneteenth-and-its-significance-in-us-history-307011" hreflang="en">Emancipation Day: Juneteenth and its significance in US history</a>

Pelosi said she made the request to coincide with Juneteenth, given the "moment of extraordinary national anguish, as we grieve for the hundreds of Black Americans killed by racial injustice and police brutality."

Protests swept the nation following the May 25 killing of&nbsp;African-American George Floyd&nbsp;by a Minneapolis police officer.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-dismantles-historical-artefacts-of-racism-monuments-become-sites-of-protest-304777">World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest</a>

Several&nbsp;Confederate statues have since been toppled or ordered removed&nbsp;in several states as Americans grapple with the legacy of racism.

<iframe data-google-container-id="2" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/5908/st/midarticlespecial/world/united-states_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/5908/st/midarticlespecial/world/united-states_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>Pelosi has also sought removal of 11 Confederate statues from the Capitol, including that of Confederacy president Jefferson Davis.

A bipartisan committee is reviewing the statue request.

The four outgoing portraits depict 19th century speakers of the House who also served in the Confederacy: Robert Hunter of Virginia, Howell Cobb of Georgia, James Orr of South Carolina, and Charles Crisp of Georgia.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday ordered the removal from the US Capitol of four portraits of former lawmakers who served in the Confederacy, saying their images symbolise "grotesque racism.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday ordered the removal from the US Capitol of four portraits of former lawmakers who served in the Confederacy, saying their images symbolise "grotesque racism." Pelosi has asked the US House clerk to conduct the "immediate removal" of the paintings on Friday when Americans observe Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. "There is no room in the hallowed halls of Congress or in any place of honour for memorialising men who embody the violent bigotry and grotesque racism of the Confederacy," the top Democrat wrote to the clerk, Cheryl Johnson. Also see| Emancipation Day: Juneteenth and its significance in US history Pelosi said she made the request to coincide with Juneteenth, given the "moment of extraordinary national anguish, as we grieve for the hundreds of Black Americans killed by racial injustice and police brutality." Protests swept the nation following the May 25 killing of African-American George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Also see| World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest Several Confederate statues have since been toppled or ordered removed in several states as Americans grapple with the legacy of racism. Pelosi has also sought removal of 11 Confederate statues from the Capitol, including that of Confederacy president Jefferson Davis. A bipartisan committee is reviewing the statue request. The four outgoing portraits depict 19th century speakers of the House who also served in the Confederacy: Robert Hunter of Virginia, Howell Cobb of Georgia, James Orr of South Carolina, and Charles Crisp of Georgia.

Nancy Pelosi orders removal of Confederate portraits from US Capitol

United States House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday has promised legislation on the issues raised by the murder of George Floyd, whereas, other lawmakers threatened to use troops against the protestors.&nbsp;

According to Pelosi, racial profiling has been a "universal" issue and "we must be rid of."

She said: "In a matter of just a short time ... decisions will be made and I think the American people will be well served."

Like other Democrats, Pelosi went on to attack US President Donald Trump for handling the protests after tear gas and rubber bullets were used on protestors to clear the area outside the White House.&nbsp;

Another Democratic leader Chuck Schumer lashed out on Trump, questioning his leadership skills.&nbsp;

"The nation needs calm and steady leadership, a sure hand and a big heart, qualities that President Trump has never displayed," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said.

The leader had called for passage of law enforcement reform legislation by July 4.

US presidential candidate Joe Biden hit at Trump for "using the American military against the American people" as the protests took political overtures ahead of the US elections in November.

"He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets. For a photo," Biden tweeted, adding, "For our children, for the very soul of our country, we must defeat him."&nbsp;

United States House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday has promised legislation on the issues raised by the murder of George Floyd, whereas, other lawmakers threatened to use troops against the protestors.

United States House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday has promised legislation on the issues raised by the murder of George Floyd, whereas, other lawmakers threatened to use troops against the protestors. According to Pelosi, racial profiling has been a "universal" issue and "we must be rid of." She said: "In a matter of just a short time ... decisions will be made and I think the American people will be well served." Like other Democrats, Pelosi went on to attack US President Donald Trump for handling the protests after tear gas and rubber bullets were used on protestors to clear the area outside the White House. Another Democratic leader Chuck Schumer lashed out on Trump, questioning his leadership skills. "The nation needs calm and steady leadership, a sure hand and a big heart, qualities that President Trump has never displayed," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said. The leader had called for passage of law enforcement reform legislation by July 4. US presidential candidate Joe Biden hit at Trump for "using the American military against the American people" as the protests took political overtures ahead of the US elections in November. "He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets. For a photo," Biden tweeted, adding, "For our children, for the very soul of our country, we must defeat him."

Nancy Pelosi promises legislation on the issues raised by murder of George Floyd

US President Donald Trump has called House speaker Nancy Pelosi&nbsp;a ''sick woman''&nbsp;with ''mental problems''&nbsp;over comments on his usage of an unapproved drug to treat coronavirus.

Earlier, in an interview, US Democrat Pelosi said&nbsp;Trump should not be&nbsp;taking the drug hydroxychloroquine&nbsp;to protect&nbsp;against contracting the coronavirus because he is ''morbidly obese.''

The President revealed on Monday that he had been taking hydroxychloroquine in addition to zinc as a preventative measure, saying he heard positive reviews of the drug from front-line health-care workers.

Trump said he consulted with the White House physician about taking the drug, and the White House released a letter Monday evening from physician Sean Conley saying the two&nbsp;determined "the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks."

Trump and Pelosi have traded barbs for years, including over her frequent public assertion that she ''prays''&nbsp;for him.

Pelosi notably ripped up a copy of Trump’s speech at the State of the Union in February after the president declined to shake her hand when he entered the chamber.

US President Donald Trump has called House speaker Nancy Pelosi a ''sick woman'' with ''mental problems'' over comments on his usage of an unapproved drug to treat coronavirus.

US President Donald Trump has called House speaker Nancy Pelosi a ''sick woman'' with ''mental problems'' over comments on his usage of an unapproved drug to treat coronavirus. Earlier, in an interview, US Democrat Pelosi said Trump should not be taking the drug hydroxychloroquine to protect against contracting the coronavirus because he is ''morbidly obese.'' The President revealed on Monday that he had been taking hydroxychloroquine in addition to zinc as a preventative measure, saying he heard positive reviews of the drug from front-line health-care workers. Trump said he consulted with the White House physician about taking the drug, and the White House released a letter Monday evening from physician Sean Conley saying the two determined "the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks." Trump and Pelosi have traded barbs for years, including over her frequent public assertion that she ''prays'' for him. Pelosi notably ripped up a copy of Trump’s speech at the State of the Union in February after the president declined to shake her hand when he entered the chamber.

Trump calls Nancy Pelosi a 'sick woman' with 'mental problems'

House Democrats on Friday passed a $3 trillion tax cut and spending bill aimed at addressing the devastating economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak.

House Democrats pass $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill

The woman who alleges presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;sexually assaulted her in 1993 said in a video interview on Thursday that he should withdraw from the White House race,&nbsp;saying Thursday she'd take a polygraph about the alleged encounter if he would.

Tara Reade's comments in an television interview came six days after&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said in his first public remarks about the alleged incident that it "never happened."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-happened-democratic-presidential-candidate-joe-biden-denies-sexual-assault-accusations-296117">'Never happened': Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden denies sexual assault accusations</a>

In an interview, Tara Reade urged&nbsp;Biden to "please step forward and be held accountable".

She added: "You should not be running on character for the president of the United States."

The 56-year-old&nbsp;has claimed Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993, when she was working as a staffer in his Senate office.

The former Senate staffer added that she has been hacked and received a death threat since accusing Biden of sexual assault.

Responding to Reade's latest interview,&nbsp;Biden's deputy campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield, said on Thursday that "more and more inconsistencies keep emerging" in Reade's account.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/target-beijing-biden-trump-strategy-to-stay-in-white-house-296175">Target Beijing &amp; Biden - Trump strategy to stay in White House</a>

The statement did not address Reade's call for&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;to drop out of the race.

Reade&nbsp;told media interviewers she complained at the time about sexual harassment, though not sexual assault, to three of&nbsp;Biden's Senate aides.

A 1996 court document indicated that Reade had told her ex-husband she was sexually harassed while working for Joe Biden.

The&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;campaign released a statement from one, Marianne Baker, who said she never received any report of inappropriate behavior in nearly 20 years of working for&nbsp;Biden.

Biden&nbsp;last week asked the Secretary of the Senate to make public any records containing a complaint or other documents relating to Reade's allegation, if they exist. The Senate denied the request because of confidentiality requirements.

Some prominent Democratic women including US&nbsp;House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and US&nbsp;Senator and former presidential rival Elizabeth Warren have defended&nbsp;Biden, who was President Barack Obama’s vice president.

The woman who alleges presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993 said in a video interview on Thursday that he should withdraw from the White House race, saying Thursday she'd take a polygraph about the alleged encounter if he would.

The woman who alleges presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993 said in a video interview on Thursday that he should withdraw from the White House race, saying Thursday she'd take a polygraph about the alleged encounter if he would. Tara Reade's comments in an television interview came six days after Biden said in his first public remarks about the alleged incident that it "never happened." Also read: 'Never happened': Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden denies sexual assault accusations In an interview, Tara Reade urged Biden to "please step forward and be held accountable". She added: "You should not be running on character for the president of the United States." The 56-year-old has claimed Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993, when she was working as a staffer in his Senate office. The former Senate staffer added that she has been hacked and received a death threat since accusing Biden of sexual assault. Responding to Reade's latest interview, Biden's deputy campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield, said on Thursday that "more and more inconsistencies keep emerging" in Reade's account. Also read: Target Beijing & Biden - Trump strategy to stay in White House The statement did not address Reade's call for Biden to drop out of the race. Reade told media interviewers she complained at the time about sexual harassment, though not sexual assault, to three of Biden's Senate aides. A 1996 court document indicated that Reade had told her ex-husband she was sexually harassed while working for Joe Biden. The Biden campaign released a statement from one, Marianne Baker, who said she never received any report of inappropriate behavior in nearly 20 years of working for Biden. Biden last week asked the Secretary of the Senate to make public any records containing a complaint or other documents relating to Reade's allegation, if they exist. The Senate denied the request because of confidentiality requirements. Some prominent Democratic women including US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and US Senator and former presidential rival Elizabeth Warren have defended Biden, who was President Barack Obama’s vice president.

Biden's assault accuser calls on him to quit US Presidential race

US House Of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Joe Biden for president, joining a list of top Democrats, who have recently thrown their support behind the former vice president.

US House Of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Joe Biden for president, joining a list of top Democrats, who have recently thrown their support behind the former vice president. Pelosi's endorsement of the Democratic presidential candidate follows that of US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, former president Barack Obama and former vice president Al Gore, who all threw their weight behind Biden earlier this month. In a video statement released on Monday, Pelosi cited Biden's experience in government, including his role in passing the Affordable Care Act, as an evidence of his leadership qualities. She said Biden is well-positioned to lead the country amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. "As we face coronavirus, Joe has been a voice of reason and resilience, with a clear path to lead us out of this crisis," Pelosi said in her endorsement. The endorsement comes at an opportune time for Biden, who has struggled to maintain a high profile during the COVID-19 pandemic and sustain the momentum he had built up in his lightning-quick run toward becoming the Democratic nominee. Besides current and past Democratic leaders, Biden has also won endorsements from some other key stakeholders like Washington state Governor Jay Inslee, a prominent climate change campaigner, and the 400,000-member United Auto Workers union. The endorsements have given Biden a series of headlines at a time when his campaign is effectively on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak - and when US President Donald Trump has captured media attention with his combative White House briefings. The Democrats are eager to project unity heading into the presidential race against Trump for the Nov. 3 general election. In recent weeks, the more moderate Biden has made attempts to win the support of the liberal backers of Sanders and Warren.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorses Joe Biden for president

The US House of Representatives will pass Congress' latest coronavirus aid bill on Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, paving the way for nearly $500 billion more in economic relief amid the pandemic.

The US House of Representatives will pass Congress' latest coronavirus aid bill on Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, paving the way for nearly $500 billion more in economic relief amid the pandemic. Pelosi, in an interview on MSNBC on Wednesday, said House lawmakers were ready to then move on to a fifth effort to continue tackling issues swelling from the outbreak that has crushed the nation's economy and battered its healthcare system. "We'll pass it tomorrow in the House," the California Democrat said. The bipartisan $484-billion package, which passed the Republican-led U.S. Senate on Tuesday, includes an additional $321 billion for a previously set up small business lending program that quickly saw its funds exhausted. It also includes $60 billion for a separate emergency disaster loan program - also for small businesses - and $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for national coronavirus testing. Pelosi said she hopes the newly provided funds will be able to flow to strapped employers and others as soon as possible after U.S. President Trump, who has backed the bill, signs it into law. "This is absolutely urgent," she told MSNBC. She also said a subsequent fifth aid package should also include money to protect U.S. elections and the U.S. Postal Service.

US House to pass nearly $500 billion more in coronavirus aid on Thursday: Pelosi

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday said that Democrats had reached a deal with President Donald Trump's administration on a relief package for Americans hit by the coronavirus outbreak.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday said that Democrats had reached a deal with President Donald Trump's administration on a relief package for Americans hit by the coronavirus outbreak. Pelosi said Democrats secured agreement on testing, emergency paid sick leave and family leave related to the epidemic, as well as enhance unemployment insurance. "We are proud to have reached an agreement with the administration to resolve outstanding challenges, and now will soon pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act," Pelosi said after days of tense talks with the White House. The bill will add federal funds to the Medicaid federal health programme, and strengthen food benefits for poor Americans, including those children reliant on free school meals, she said. Above all, Pelosi said in a statement, "This legislation is about testing, testing, testing." "To stop the spread of the virus, we have secured free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured. We cannot fight coronavirus effectively unless everyone in our country who needs to be tested can get their test free of charge." The legislation is expected to easily pass the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives, but face a hurdle in the Republican-controlled Senate -- though Trump's endorsement could smooth that. "As the Senate works to pass this bill, the House will begin work on a third emergency response package to protect the health, economic security and well-being of the American people," Pelosi said. Last week the Congress passed and Trump signed an emergency $8.3 billion spending bill to combat the social and economic impact of the virus. (With inputs from Reuters)

Nancy Pelosi says Democrats have reached deal with Trump administration for coronavirus relief

Ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar&nbsp;met State Secretary Mike Pompeo on Saturday in Germany.

During the meet, both leaders discussed bilateral relations as they met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.&nbsp;

"Good to see @SecPompeo at #MSC2020. Allowed us to take stock of the relationship as we look forward to @realDonaldTrump 's visit," Jaishankar said on Twitter.

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Good to see <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSC2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSC2020</a>. Allowed us to take stock of the relationship as we look forward to <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>’s visit. <a href="https://t.co/msiifvLC0F">pic.twitter.com/msiifvLC0F</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1228626222055378945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Nancy Pelosi's&nbsp;&nbsp;"consistent support" to India-US ties has always been a great source of strength, sais Jaishankar as he also met the US speaker in Germany.

The Munich Security Conference, being held here from February 14-16, is the world's leading forum for debate on international security policy.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will pay a state visit to India on February 24 and 25 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, it was announced this week.

In addition to New Delhi, Trump will also visit Ahmedabad to address a joint public meeting with Modi at a newly-built stadium.

Trump on his maiden trip to India will also meet the country's top business leaders in New Delhi on February 25, in a bid to push for deeper trade and business relations between the two nations.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met State Secretary Mike Pompeo on Saturday in Germany. During the meet, both leaders discussed bilateral relations as they met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met State Secretary Mike Pompeo on Saturday in Germany. During the meet, both leaders discussed bilateral relations as they met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. "Good to see @SecPompeo at #MSC2020. Allowed us to take stock of the relationship as we look forward to @realDonaldTrump 's visit," Jaishankar said on Twitter. Good to see @SecPompeo at #MSC2020. Allowed us to take stock of the relationship as we look forward to @realDonaldTrump’s visit. pic.twitter.com/msiifvLC0F — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 15, 2020 × Nancy Pelosi's "consistent support" to India-US ties has always been a great source of strength, sais Jaishankar as he also met the US speaker in Germany. The Munich Security Conference, being held here from February 14-16, is the world's leading forum for debate on international security policy. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will pay a state visit to India on February 24 and 25 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, it was announced this week. In addition to New Delhi, Trump will also visit Ahmedabad to address a joint public meeting with Modi at a newly-built stadium. Trump on his maiden trip to India will also meet the country's top business leaders in New Delhi on February 25, in a bid to push for deeper trade and business relations between the two nations. (With inputs from agencies)

Jaishankar meets Pompeo, Pelosi on sidelines of Munich Security Conference

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebooks-sheryl-sandberg-gets-engaged-to-tom-bernthal-278474">Facebook </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-thousands-of-accounts-that-were-linked-to-saudi-arabia-269402">Twitter </a>have declined House of Representative Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/State-of-the-Union-address-us-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-tears-up-text-as-trump-ends-state-of-the-union-address-278666">Nancy Pelosi</a>'s request to remove an edited video posted by US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/State-of-the-Union-address-us-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-tears-up-text-as-trump-ends-state-of-the-union-address-278666">Donald Trump</a> that tried to imply that she apparently tore the paper copy of his State of the Union address while he was honouring the last living Tuskegee Airman and other attendees.

The Democrats are enraged by the response of the social media platforms.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/State-of-the-Union-address-us-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-tears-up-text-as-trump-ends-state-of-the-union-address-278666">US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tears up text as Trump ends State of the Union address</a>

Pelosi's chief of staff called Drew Hammill took to Twitter to express his views on the entire incident.&nbsp;

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The American people know that the President has no qualms about lying to them – but it is a shame to see Twitter and Facebook, sources of news for millions, do the same. <a href="https://t.co/OatHIOamsD">https://t.co/OatHIOamsD</a>
— Drew Hammill (@Drew_Hammill) <a href="https://twitter.com/Drew_Hammill/status/1225830200627298305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The latest fake video of Speaker Pelosi is deliberately designed to mislead and lie to the American people, and every day that these platforms refuse to take it down is another reminder that they care more about their shareholders’ interests than the public’s interests.
— Drew Hammill (@Drew_Hammill) <a href="https://twitter.com/Drew_Hammill/status/1225830201948590081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Democrats had requested the social media giants to remove the doctored clip and take tougher action.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-the-highlights-from-trumps-reality-tv-style-state-of-the-union-address-278726">Highlights from Trump's reality-TV style State of the Union address</a>

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-the-highlights-from-trumps-reality-tv-style-state-of-the-union-address-278726">Republicans </a>have argued that such policing could muzzle conservative viewpoints. The five-minute video was posted by Trump on Thursday with the caption '' powerful American stories ripped to shreds by Nancy Pelosi''.

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<a href="https://t.co/QhTWvcY4Ke">pic.twitter.com/QhTWvcY4Ke</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1225553117929988097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Both tech titans’ rejected the plea after stating that they did not violate any policy especially when Pelosi had actually torn the US President's speech after his address.

The plea's rejection comes amid heightened debate over responsibility to prevent the spread of misleading or outright false information during the 2020 presidential election.

Facebook and Twitter have declined House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi's request to remove an edited video posted by US President Donald Trump that tried to imply that she apparently tore the paper copy of his State of the Union address while he was honouring the last living Tuskegee Airman and other attendees.

Facebook and Twitter have declined House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi's request to remove an edited video posted by US President Donald Trump that tried to imply that she apparently tore the paper copy of his State of the Union address while he was honouring the last living Tuskegee Airman and other attendees. The Democrats are enraged by the response of the social media platforms. Also read: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tears up text as Trump ends State of the Union address Pelosi's chief of staff called Drew Hammill took to Twitter to express his views on the entire incident. The American people know that the President has no qualms about lying to them – but it is a shame to see Twitter and Facebook, sources of news for millions, do the same. https://t.co/OatHIOamsD — Drew Hammill (@Drew_Hammill) February 7, 2020 × The latest fake video of Speaker Pelosi is deliberately designed to mislead and lie to the American people, and every day that these platforms refuse to take it down is another reminder that they care more about their shareholders’ interests than the public’s interests. — Drew Hammill (@Drew_Hammill) February 7, 2020 × Democrats had requested the social media giants to remove the doctored clip and take tougher action. Also see: Highlights from Trump's reality-TV style State of the Union address The Republicans have argued that such policing could muzzle conservative viewpoints. The five-minute video was posted by Trump on Thursday with the caption '' powerful American stories ripped to shreds by Nancy Pelosi''. pic.twitter.com/QhTWvcY4Ke — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 6, 2020 × Both tech titans’ rejected the plea after stating that they did not violate any policy especially when Pelosi had actually torn the US President's speech after his address. The plea's rejection comes amid heightened debate over responsibility to prevent the spread of misleading or outright false information during the 2020 presidential election.

Facebook and Twitter decline Pelosi's plea to remove clip posted by Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday (February 6) unleashed his fury over being charged in the impeachment trial and thanked his family for standing by him through it all. Trump said, 'I've always said they're lousy politicians, but they do two things. They're vicious and mean vicious.'

Donald Trump lashes out at the democrats

Winners and losers from impeachment and acquittal of Donald Trump

State of the Union: Things Trump didn't address but should have!

Immediately after United States President Donald Trump concluded his ''State of the Union'' address, the House speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped apart the paper copy of his speech.

Trump appeared to have rejected a handshake from the speaker, which was followed by the Speaker tearing up the speech.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerPelosi</a> tears up of State of the Union speech.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/sIpi4G7KsL">pic.twitter.com/sIpi4G7KsL</a>
— CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1224897851303628801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Interestingly, there was no mention of the impeachment saga in his speech. Pelosi and Trump have exchanged jibes at multiple occasions, especially since Trump was impeached in the House, with Pelosi at the helm of the process. Since then, both have openly criticised each other.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-calls-unmitigated-disaster-as-sanders-buttigieg-claim-victory-278558">Donald Trump calls Democrats Iowa 'unmitigated disaster' as Sanders, Buttigieg claim victory</a>

The White House criticised Pelosi's actions on Twitter.

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Speaker Pelosi just ripped up: 
 
One of our last surviving Tuskegee Airmen. 
 
The survival of a child born at 21 weeks. 
 
The mourning families of Rocky Jones and Kayla Mueller. 
 
A service member's reunion with his family. 
 
That's her legacy.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1224902083209502721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The impeachment case is set to be put forth to the Senate tomorrow. An acquittal is expected, considering the Senate has a majority of the Republicans who are expected to vote in his favour.

<h6><img alt="uuuu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="915ba8e1-5855-4923-96e3-b70abc62b876" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_72.jpg" /> 
Pelosi tears up Trump's speech | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

Trump had earlier claimed that he was not ''bitter'' from the impeachment hearings and wanted the speech to be ''low-key''.

The speech witnessed many Democrats walking out.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-the-state-of-the-union-address-278582">EXPLAINED: What is the State of the Union address</a>

The US president spoke for an hour and 18 minutes, and was seen walking out while receiving compliments from Republican lawmakers.

As the address continues, Democrats Gretchen Whitmer and Veronica Escobar are expected to deliver a response to the speech.

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Watch the moment a military husband surprises his wife and two kids at the State of the Union. 
 
"I am thrilled to inform you that your husband is back," Pres. Trump says, "he is here with us tonight, and we couldn't keep him waiting any longer." <a href="https://t.co/z21h5Ddt05">https://t.co/z21h5Ddt05</a> <a href="https://t.co/YX5f7P8fNw">pic.twitter.com/YX5f7P8fNw</a>
— ABC News (@ABC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABC/status/1224896783190458368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In a key moment, Trump reunited a military family and said ''I am thrilled to inform you that your husband is back''. They were separated for over seven months due to the father's deployment.

Cheers of ''Four more years!'' echoed the halls of the House, setting the tone for the rest of the address.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-update-news-our-borders-are-secure-our-values-are-renewed-%20Trump-in-State-of-the-Union-address">Our borders are secure, our values are renewed and pride restored: Trump in State of the Union address</a>

"Our borders are secure, our values are renewed and pride restored," Trump said.

"Since my election, we have created seven million new jobs," he told the US house.

"Three years ago, we launched the great American comeback. Tonight, I stand before you to share the incredible results," he said.

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Traditionally, the Speaker says: "Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the President of the United States." 
 
Speaker Pelosi said "Members of Congress, the President of the United States."
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaketapper/status/1224879754802802688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As is customary, the Speaker is expected to introduce the president with references to honorary titles. Pelosi broke away from the practice and simply introduced Trump as the President. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Immediately after United States President Donald Trump concluded his ''State of the Union'' address, the House speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped apart the paper copy of his speech.

Immediately after United States President Donald Trump concluded his ''State of the Union'' address, the House speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped apart the paper copy of his speech. Trump appeared to have rejected a handshake from the speaker, which was followed by the Speaker tearing up the speech. .@SpeakerPelosi tears up of State of the Union speech.#SOTU #SOTU2020 pic.twitter.com/sIpi4G7KsL — CSPAN (@cspan) February 5, 2020 × Interestingly, there was no mention of the impeachment saga in his speech. Pelosi and Trump have exchanged jibes at multiple occasions, especially since Trump was impeached in the House, with Pelosi at the helm of the process. Since then, both have openly criticised each other. Also read: Donald Trump calls Democrats Iowa 'unmitigated disaster' as Sanders, Buttigieg claim victory The White House criticised Pelosi's actions on Twitter. Speaker Pelosi just ripped up: One of our last surviving Tuskegee Airmen. The survival of a child born at 21 weeks. The mourning families of Rocky Jones and Kayla Mueller. A service member's reunion with his family. That's her legacy. — The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 5, 2020 × The impeachment case is set to be put forth to the Senate tomorrow. An acquittal is expected, considering the Senate has a majority of the Republicans who are expected to vote in his favour. Pelosi tears up Trump's speech | Reuters Trump had earlier claimed that he was not ''bitter'' from the impeachment hearings and wanted the speech to be ''low-key''. The speech witnessed many Democrats walking out. Also read: EXPLAINED: What is the State of the Union address The US president spoke for an hour and 18 minutes, and was seen walking out while receiving compliments from Republican lawmakers. As the address continues, Democrats Gretchen Whitmer and Veronica Escobar are expected to deliver a response to the speech. Watch the moment a military husband surprises his wife and two kids at the State of the Union. "I am thrilled to inform you that your husband is back," Pres. Trump says, "he is here with us tonight, and we couldn't keep him waiting any longer." https://t.co/z21h5Ddt05 pic.twitter.com/YX5f7P8fNw — ABC News (@ABC) February 5, 2020 × In a key moment, Trump reunited a military family and said ''I am thrilled to inform you that your husband is back''. They were separated for over seven months due to the father's deployment. Cheers of ''Four more years!'' echoed the halls of the House, setting the tone for the rest of the address. Also read: Our borders are secure, our values are renewed and pride restored: Trump in State of the Union address "Our borders are secure, our values are renewed and pride restored," Trump said. "Since my election, we have created seven million new jobs," he told the US house. "Three years ago, we launched the great American comeback. Tonight, I stand before you to share the incredible results," he said. Traditionally, the Speaker says: "Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the President of the United States." Speaker Pelosi said "Members of Congress, the President of the United States." — Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) February 5, 2020 × As is customary, the Speaker is expected to introduce the president with references to honorary titles. Pelosi broke away from the practice and simply introduced Trump as the President.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tears up text as Trump ends State of the Union address

Highlights from Trump's reality-TV style State of the Union address

The US President Donald Trump delivered his third State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington. US President Donald Trump rejected a handshake from the House speaker Nancy Pelosi, which was followed by her tearing up the speech immediately after Trump concluded his ''State of the Union'' address.

Donald Trump snubs Nancy Pelosi, refuses to shake hand

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trumps-west-asia-plan-is-the-last-chance-to- bring-peace-says-jared-kushner-trump-277191">Donald Trump</a> and White House lawyers pushed back on Wednesday against Democratic efforts to have John Bolton testify at the Senate impeachment trial of the president, arguing that the former national security adviser could reveal government secrets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-files-lawsuits-against-overseas-call-centers-for-making-fake-robocalls-277174">Trump administration files lawsuits against overseas call centres for making fake robocalls</a>

Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said it may be an "uphill" fight to garner enough Republican support to compel the 71-year-old Bolton -- seen as a potentially damaging witness to the president -- to testify.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-west-asia-plan-most-of-west-bank-recognised-as-israel-277297">Trump's West Asia Plan: Most Of West Bank Recognised As Israel</a>

Democrats have been pressing for the Senate to subpoena Bolton, who was fired by Trump in September, after reports that his upcoming White House tell-all book corroborates charges that the president withheld military aid to Ukraine in a bid to seek political dirt on his election rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../impeachment-trial-of-donald-trump-all-star- defence-team-scared-of-going-near-bolton-276987">Joe Biden</a>.

Republicans hold a 53 to 47 seat edge in the Senate and four Republicans would need to side with the Democrats for Bolton and others to be called as witnesses at Trump's trial for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

"We've always known it will be an uphill fight," Schumer said of getting Bolton to testify.

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"Is it more likely than not?" the Democratic senator from New York asked. "Probably, no. But is it a decent, good chance? Yes."

Trump called on Republicans to reject a push for witnesses when the issue comes up for a vote on Friday and blasted Bolton.

"Remember Republicans, the Democrats already had 17 witnesses, we were given NONE!" he wrote on Twitter. "Don't let the Dems play you!"

Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming came out firmly against calling witnesses, echoing the views of the vast majority of his Republican colleagues.

"America has heard enough," Barrasso said. "A majority of Americans are saying this is a waste of time because they know the president is not going to be removed."

Opinion polls on whether Trump should be removed are actually pretty evenly divided but a two-thirds majority -- 67 senators -- is needed to convict the president and the Republicans' 53-47 majority virtually assures Trump will be acquitted.

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- 'Don't wait for the book'- 
The fight over Bolton intensified as the senators who hold the president's fate in their hands began directly questioning Democratic prosecutors and White House lawyers.

The 100 members of the Senate have 16 hours over the next two days to submit written questions, which are being read aloud by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, presiding over just the third impeachment trial of a president in US history.

Asked whether Bolton should appear, chief Democratic prosecutor Adam Schiff said his testimony was "plainly relevant" and essential to conducting a "fair trial."

"Don't wait for the book," the California lawmaker told the senators sitting as trial jurors. "This case is overwhelmingly clear without John Bolton but if you have any question about it you can erase all doubt."

White House deputy counsel Patrick Philbin countered that the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives, which impeached Trump on December 18, had conducted their inquiry in a "half-baked partisan fashion" and had not issued their own subpoena for Bolton's testimony.

Having Bolton testify would present "grave security issues," Philbin said.

"He has all of the nation's secrets from the time he was national security advisor," he said.

The White House would seek to prevent his testimony by citing executive privilege and the matter would end up in the courts. "This institution will be effectively paralyzed for months on end," he said.

- 'World War Six' - 
Schiff pushed back against White House arguments that the Senate should let American voters decide Trump's fate in November's presidential election.

"If you say you can't hold a president accountable in an election year where they are trying to cheat in that election then you are giving them carte blanche," he said.

In his book, Bolton reportedly writes that the president told him in August that a freeze in military aid to Ukraine was directly linked to his demand that Kiev investigate Biden, the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Trump lashed out at Bolton on Twitter, saying he had shown poor judgment in a job he had begged for and that he hired the veteran diplomat and prominent "hawk" against the advice of others.

"Frankly, if I listened to him, we would be in World War Six by now," Trump said. "(He) goes out and IMMEDIATELY writes a nasty &amp; untrue book. All Classified National Security. Who would do this?"

The National Security Council said meanwhile that a preliminary review of the manuscript of Bolton's book had found that it contained "significant amounts of classified information" and cannot be published in its current form.

"Some of this information is at the TOP SECRET level," the NSC said in a letter to Bolton's lawyer, adding that "the manuscript may not be published or otherwise disclosed without the deletion of this classified information."

Before the explosive revelations about what Bolton knew, the White House had assumed the trial could be wrapped up with no witnesses and an acquittal by this weekend, just in time for Trump's annual "State of the Union" address before Congress on Tuesday, February 4.&nbsp;

Donald Trump and White House lawyers pushed back on Wednesday against Democratic efforts to have John Bolton testify at the Senate impeachment trial of the president, arguing that the former national security adviser could reveal government secrets.

Donald Trump and White House lawyers pushed back on Wednesday against Democratic efforts to have John Bolton testify at the Senate impeachment trial of the president, arguing that the former national security adviser could reveal government secrets. Also read: Trump administration files lawsuits against overseas call centres for making fake robocalls Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said it may be an "uphill" fight to garner enough Republican support to compel the 71-year-old Bolton -- seen as a potentially damaging witness to the president -- to testify. Also read: Trump's West Asia Plan: Most Of West Bank Recognised As Israel Democrats have been pressing for the Senate to subpoena Bolton, who was fired by Trump in September, after reports that his upcoming White House tell-all book corroborates charges that the president withheld military aid to Ukraine in a bid to seek political dirt on his election rival Joe Biden. Republicans hold a 53 to 47 seat edge in the Senate and four Republicans would need to side with the Democrats for Bolton and others to be called as witnesses at Trump's trial for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. "We've always known it will be an uphill fight," Schumer said of getting Bolton to testify. × "Is it more likely than not?" the Democratic senator from New York asked. "Probably, no. But is it a decent, good chance? Yes." Trump called on Republicans to reject a push for witnesses when the issue comes up for a vote on Friday and blasted Bolton. "Remember Republicans, the Democrats already had 17 witnesses, we were given NONE!" he wrote on Twitter. "Don't let the Dems play you!" Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming came out firmly against calling witnesses, echoing the views of the vast majority of his Republican colleagues. "America has heard enough," Barrasso said. "A majority of Americans are saying this is a waste of time because they know the president is not going to be removed." Opinion polls on whether Trump should be removed are actually pretty evenly divided but a two-thirds majority -- 67 senators -- is needed to convict the president and the Republicans' 53-47 majority virtually assures Trump will be acquitted. × - 'Don't wait for the book'- The fight over Bolton intensified as the senators who hold the president's fate in their hands began directly questioning Democratic prosecutors and White House lawyers. The 100 members of the Senate have 16 hours over the next two days to submit written questions, which are being read aloud by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, presiding over just the third impeachment trial of a president in US history. Asked whether Bolton should appear, chief Democratic prosecutor Adam Schiff said his testimony was "plainly relevant" and essential to conducting a "fair trial." "Don't wait for the book," the California lawmaker told the senators sitting as trial jurors. "This case is overwhelmingly clear without John Bolton but if you have any question about it you can erase all doubt." White House deputy counsel Patrick Philbin countered that the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives, which impeached Trump on December 18, had conducted their inquiry in a "half-baked partisan fashion" and had not issued their own subpoena for Bolton's testimony. Having Bolton testify would present "grave security issues," Philbin said. "He has all of the nation's secrets from the time he was national security advisor," he said. The White House would seek to prevent his testimony by citing executive privilege and the matter would end up in the courts. "This institution will be effectively paralyzed for months on end," he said. - 'World War Six' - Schiff pushed back against White House arguments that the Senate should let American voters decide Trump's fate in November's presidential election. "If you say you can't hold a president accountable in an election year where they are trying to cheat in that election then you are giving them carte blanche," he said. In his book, Bolton reportedly writes that the president told him in August that a freeze in military aid to Ukraine was directly linked to his demand that Kiev investigate Biden, the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination. Trump lashed out at Bolton on Twitter, saying he had shown poor judgment in a job he had begged for and that he hired the veteran diplomat and prominent "hawk" against the advice of others. "Frankly, if I listened to him, we would be in World War Six by now," Trump said. "(He) goes out and IMMEDIATELY writes a nasty & untrue book. All Classified National Security. Who would do this?" The National Security Council said meanwhile that a preliminary review of the manuscript of Bolton's book had found that it contained "significant amounts of classified information" and cannot be published in its current form. "Some of this information is at the TOP SECRET level," the NSC said in a letter to Bolton's lawyer, adding that "the manuscript may not be published or otherwise disclosed without the deletion of this classified information." Before the explosive revelations about what Bolton knew, the White House had assumed the trial could be wrapped up with no witnesses and an acquittal by this weekend, just in time for Trump's annual "State of the Union" address before Congress on Tuesday, February 4.

Trump, White House seek to quash Bolton testimony at Senate trial

World leaders flock to Israel to mark 75th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation

The United States President Donald Trump yesterday rejected the impeachment charges against him and called for their immediate dismissal by the Senate, where the case is due very soon.&nbsp;

The Democratic-led House of Representatives' had charged Trump with the abuse of power and the obstruction of Congress.

Trump's 116-page-long Trial Memorandum is his first official defence against the charges.

Watch:&nbsp;Senate begins trial on Donald Trump's impeachment

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"The Senate should reject the Articles of Impeachment and acquit the president immediately," the memo mentioned.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnel had recently put forward rules to facilitate a quick impeachment trial, and offered no guarantee of admission of new witnesses and evidence.

<h6><img alt="oooo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf4364d8-99c5-47fd-b3a9-bfcd2730cc3d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_52.jpg" /> 
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (C) is handed a document while signing the articles of impeachment of US President Donald Trump during an engrossment ceremony on Capitol Hill January 15, 2020, in Washington, DC. The US House of Representatives voted Wednesday to transmit articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate, opening the way for the historic trial of the 45th president for abuse of power | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The resolution could face a vote today, with Trump's lawyers intending to seek dismissal of all charges.

According to the proposal put forth by the Republicans, the Senate is expected to vote on whether the material collected by the House would be valid in the trial.

Trump is the fourth of 45 American presidents to face an impeachment hearing. Allegedly, Trump had approached Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky to investigate his political rival Joe Biden, and stopping an enquiry into his whataboutery.

The Democrats claim that by withholding US military aid to Ukraine, Trump abused his power. 
 
Additionally, he allegedly obstructed Congress by denying access to documents and withholding testimonies from administration officials, and this was after the House had already issued a subpoena.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d6cb370-1219-4c8b-ad02-3d5b7dd1a69d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_59.jpg" /> 
US President Donald Trump departs the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2020 to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Trump's defence has reiterated that neither of the charges constitutes a crime or an impeachable offence, and that, as president, Trump has the rights to make foreign policy decisions as well as for deciding what information he gives to Congress. Additionally, his team called it a one-sided process.

Based on the defence memo, the theory of the abuse of power&nbsp;is not an impeachable offence and needs supplementary support from the US constitution's stature pertaining to ''Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanours''.

The memo also referred to the obstruction of Congress charge as ''frivolous and dangerous''.

The discourse of Trump's innocence and a rigged process was the memo's highlight, which suggested that this was an attempt to overturn Trump's 2016 victory and undemocratic. 
 
It's imperative to note that the Senate is highly unlikely to remove Trump office.

Read more: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-73-donald-trump-says-he-is-physically-strong-and-gets-more-exercise-than-people-think-275326">At 73, Donald Trump says he is 'physically strong' and gets 'more exercise than people think'</a>

(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The United States President Donald Trump yesterday rejected the impeachment charges against him and called for their immediate dismissal by the Senate, where the case is due very soon.

The United States President Donald Trump yesterday rejected the impeachment charges against him and called for their immediate dismissal by the Senate, where the case is due very soon. The Democratic-led House of Representatives' had charged Trump with the abuse of power and the obstruction of Congress. Trump's 116-page-long Trial Memorandum is his first official defence against the charges. Watch: Senate begins trial on Donald Trump's impeachment "The Senate should reject the Articles of Impeachment and acquit the president immediately," the memo mentioned. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnel had recently put forward rules to facilitate a quick impeachment trial, and offered no guarantee of admission of new witnesses and evidence. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (C) is handed a document while signing the articles of impeachment of US President Donald Trump during an engrossment ceremony on Capitol Hill January 15, 2020, in Washington, DC. The US House of Representatives voted Wednesday to transmit articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate, opening the way for the historic trial of the 45th president for abuse of power | AFP The resolution could face a vote today, with Trump's lawyers intending to seek dismissal of all charges. According to the proposal put forth by the Republicans, the Senate is expected to vote on whether the material collected by the House would be valid in the trial. Trump is the fourth of 45 American presidents to face an impeachment hearing. Allegedly, Trump had approached Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky to investigate his political rival Joe Biden, and stopping an enquiry into his whataboutery. The Democrats claim that by withholding US military aid to Ukraine, Trump abused his power. Additionally, he allegedly obstructed Congress by denying access to documents and withholding testimonies from administration officials, and this was after the House had already issued a subpoena. US President Donald Trump departs the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2020 to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos | AFP Trump's defence has reiterated that neither of the charges constitutes a crime or an impeachable offence, and that, as president, Trump has the rights to make foreign policy decisions as well as for deciding what information he gives to Congress. Additionally, his team called it a one-sided process. Based on the defence memo, the theory of the abuse of power is not an impeachable offence and needs supplementary support from the US constitution's stature pertaining to ''Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanours''. The memo also referred to the obstruction of Congress charge as ''frivolous and dangerous''. The discourse of Trump's innocence and a rigged process was the memo's highlight, which suggested that this was an attempt to overturn Trump's 2016 victory and undemocratic. It's imperative to note that the Senate is highly unlikely to remove Trump office. Read more: At 73, Donald Trump says he is 'physically strong' and gets 'more exercise than people think' (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump's impeachment trial to begin in US Senate, his defence team calls for immediate acquittal

The House on Wednesday formally presented two articles of impeachment to the Senate after voting to approve the seven managers to prosecute the case against President Donald Trump.

House sends two articles of impeachment to the Senate

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday asserted that there is "enough testimony to remove President Donald Trump from office" when the impeachment hearing will move to Senate for the trial.&nbsp;

Pelosi will meet with the House Democratic caucus early Tuesday regarding the formal vote required to send the two articles of impeachment to the Senate.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-prepared-to-testify-in-trump-impeachment-trial-john-bolton-272608">I am prepared to testify in Trump impeachment trial: John Bolton</a>

The trial in Senate is expected to be held quickly as Republicans have enough votes to reject impeachment charges.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-us-senate-in-stalemate-over-how-to-proceed-272003">Trump impeachment row: US Senate in stalemate over how to proceed</a>

Trump was impeached on December 18 by the House for pressurising Ukraine to investigate his potential 2020 election rival Joe Biden and obstructing the subsequent congressional probe.

Pelosi had hoped to convince Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell for allowing new evidence and witnesses in the trial. McConnell, however, has not budged.&nbsp;

"We wanted the public to see the need for witnesses," she told ABC on Sunday.&nbsp;

"Now the ball is in their court, to either do that or pay a price for not doing it."

McConnell claimed that Republicans have enough votes to block Democrats demand on witnesses and evidence.&nbsp;

The Speaker also said that new emails that back charges against the US President have emerged. Pelosi added that former national security adviser John Bolton has also expressed willingness to participate in the trial if subpoenaed.

Trump, earlier, had said in an interview on Friday that he might use executive privilege to block Bolton's testimony.&nbsp;The US President has expressed confidence on the trial and asked to done with it as soon as possible.&nbsp;

"Why should I have the stigma of Impeachment attached to my name when I did nothing wrong," the president tweeted on Sunday. "Very unfair to tens of millions of voters!"

(with inputs from AFP)

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday asserted that there is "enough testimony to remove President Donald Trump from office" when the impeachment hearing will move to Senate for the trial.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday asserted that there is "enough testimony to remove President Donald Trump from office" when the impeachment hearing will move to Senate for the trial. Pelosi will meet with the House Democratic caucus early Tuesday regarding the formal vote required to send the two articles of impeachment to the Senate. Also read: I am prepared to testify in Trump impeachment trial: John Bolton The trial in Senate is expected to be held quickly as Republicans have enough votes to reject impeachment charges. Also read: Trump impeachment row: US Senate in stalemate over how to proceed Trump was impeached on December 18 by the House for pressurising Ukraine to investigate his potential 2020 election rival Joe Biden and obstructing the subsequent congressional probe. Pelosi had hoped to convince Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell for allowing new evidence and witnesses in the trial. McConnell, however, has not budged. "We wanted the public to see the need for witnesses," she told ABC on Sunday. "Now the ball is in their court, to either do that or pay a price for not doing it." McConnell claimed that Republicans have enough votes to block Democrats demand on witnesses and evidence. The Speaker also said that new emails that back charges against the US President have emerged. Pelosi added that former national security adviser John Bolton has also expressed willingness to participate in the trial if subpoenaed. Trump, earlier, had said in an interview on Friday that he might use executive privilege to block Bolton's testimony. The US President has expressed confidence on the trial and asked to done with it as soon as possible. "Why should I have the stigma of Impeachment attached to my name when I did nothing wrong," the president tweeted on Sunday. "Very unfair to tens of millions of voters!" (with inputs from AFP)

Enough testimony to remove Donald Trump from office: Nancy Pelosi

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a>'s impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called.

Mitch McConnell said he has the backing in his majority caucus to pass a set of rules for the trial unilaterally leaving the issue of witnesses and documents until after the historic proceedings have begun.

"We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution (setting up) what could best be described as a phase one," that lays out arguments of the prosecution and defense, and a period of written questions by senators, McConnell said.

No action can be taken, though, until House Speaker Nancy Pelosi transmits the articles of impeachment&nbsp;one for abuse of power, the other for obstruction of Congress to the Senate.

Pelosi has withheld the articles since the House impeachment vote in December, in a bid to press Republicans for fair trial rules.

"They sat on the papers now for three weeks," he said, following the first party lunch since a holiday break. "I hope that'll end this week."

The Democratic-controlled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-launches-probe-into-possible-obstruction-by-trump-200941">House of Representatives</a> has accused Trump of using military aid and other incentives as leverage to get Ukraine to investigate Democrat Joe Biden, his potential November presidential opponent, and then preventing Congress from fully investigating.

McConnell said he wants the ground rules for the upcoming trial to mirror those from 1999 when president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bill-clinton-to-george-w-bush-us-presidents-who-toured-dmz-between-north-and-south-korea-510">Bill Clinton</a> faced his impeachment trial.

Senators at the time voted unanimously to approve the first set of rules, only afterward debating the relevance of calling witnesses.

"All we're doing here is saying we're going to get started in exactly the same way that 100 senators agreed to 20 years ago," McConnell said.

"We'll get around to the discussion of witnesses."

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer cried foul, insisting "there will be votes" on whether to subpoena key documents and four witnesses whom Democrats want to testify.

They include Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike Pompeo</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-calls-us-national-security-advisor-john-bolton-human-defect-221893">John Bolton</a>, Trump's former national security advisor who said Monday he would testify if subpoenaed.

Bolton could be a critical witness as he is known to have spoken directly with Trump about the freeze on aid to Ukraine.

Schumer issued a challenge to Republicans, mindful that he needs just four defectors to pass a rule allowing witnesses.

"Will they stand for bringing evidence forward?" he asked. "Or will they be engaging in a cover-up?"

Trump said he was ready for the trial, come what may.

"Whatever it is, it's a hoax," he told reporters at the White House.

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called.

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called. Mitch McConnell said he has the backing in his majority caucus to pass a set of rules for the trial unilaterally leaving the issue of witnesses and documents until after the historic proceedings have begun. "We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution (setting up) what could best be described as a phase one," that lays out arguments of the prosecution and defense, and a period of written questions by senators, McConnell said. No action can be taken, though, until House Speaker Nancy Pelosi transmits the articles of impeachment one for abuse of power, the other for obstruction of Congress to the Senate. Pelosi has withheld the articles since the House impeachment vote in December, in a bid to press Republicans for fair trial rules. "They sat on the papers now for three weeks," he said, following the first party lunch since a holiday break. "I hope that'll end this week." The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives has accused Trump of using military aid and other incentives as leverage to get Ukraine to investigate Democrat Joe Biden, his potential November presidential opponent, and then preventing Congress from fully investigating. McConnell said he wants the ground rules for the upcoming trial to mirror those from 1999 when president Bill Clinton faced his impeachment trial. Senators at the time voted unanimously to approve the first set of rules, only afterward debating the relevance of calling witnesses. "All we're doing here is saying we're going to get started in exactly the same way that 100 senators agreed to 20 years ago," McConnell said. "We'll get around to the discussion of witnesses." Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer cried foul, insisting "there will be votes" on whether to subpoena key documents and four witnesses whom Democrats want to testify. They include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and John Bolton, Trump's former national security advisor who said Monday he would testify if subpoenaed. Bolton could be a critical witness as he is known to have spoken directly with Trump about the freeze on aid to Ukraine. Schumer issued a challenge to Republicans, mindful that he needs just four defectors to pass a rule allowing witnesses. "Will they stand for bringing evidence forward?" he asked. "Or will they be engaging in a cover-up?" Trump said he was ready for the trial, come what may. "Whatever it is, it's a hoax," he told reporters at the White House.

US Senate leader ready to pass impeachment trial rules without Democrats

The head of the US&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Judiciary Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-looms-as-us-house-committee-approves-charges-268218">Lindsey Graham</a>&nbsp;said on Sunday he wants the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;to launch an&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;trial&nbsp;of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-us-senate-in-stalemate-over-how-to-proceed-272003">Donald&nbsp;Trump</a>&nbsp;within days and wrap it up this month, even if it means changing&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;rules.

The Democratic-controlled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-gives-lawmakers-formal-notice-of-iraq-strike-amid-complaints-from-democrats-272196">House of Representatives</a> last month voted to impeach&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;for abuse of power in pressuring Ukraine to investigate a political rival and for obstructing the House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;probe.

House Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-us-senate-in-stalemate-over-how-to-proceed-272003">Nancy Pelosi</a>, however, has not yet sent the articles of&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;to the&nbsp;Republican-led&nbsp;Senate, where the president would be tried, as Democrats have sought to pressure&nbsp;Republicans to call witnesses.

Speaking on Fox News Channel's "Sunday Morning Futures,"&nbsp;Republican&nbsp;Senator Lindsey Graham said he wants to&nbsp;change&nbsp;the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;rules to&nbsp;kick&nbsp;start&nbsp;a&nbsp;trial&nbsp;if Pelosi does not send the articles of&nbsp;impeachment.

Senate&nbsp;Majority Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treasurys-mnuchin-to-head-us-delegation-to-davos-conclave-271625">Mitch McConnell</a>, a&nbsp;Republican, said on Friday the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;cannot proceed with a&nbsp;trial&nbsp;under its&nbsp;rules until it receives them.

McConnell has argued that any decision on potential witnesses should come after senators have heard opening arguments and have had a chance to ask questions.

"My goal is to&nbsp;start&nbsp;this&nbsp;trial&nbsp;in the next coming days," Graham said. "If we don't get the articles this week, then we need to take matters in our own hands and&nbsp;change&nbsp;the&nbsp;rules."

"This thing needs to be over with in January," he said, arguing that a delay denies&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;an opportunity to confront the accusations and impedes Congress' ability to pursue other business.

McConnell's office on Sunday did not comment on Graham's call for a possible&nbsp;rule&nbsp;change.

An aide to Pelosi referred to a statement she issued on Friday in which she accused McConnell of being complicit in&nbsp;Trump's "cover-up of his abuses of power."

US&nbsp;Representative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-democrats-make-case-for-republicans-to-endorse-trump-impeachment-268418">Adam Schiff</a>, the Democratic Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee that led the House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;proceedings said on CNN: "Both Democrats and&nbsp;Republicans are now having to go on the record and say, do we want witnesses? Do we want to see the documents? Do we want the American people to hear the evidence? Do we want a real&nbsp;trial? Or do we want a cover-up? It's clear, I think, from the president and Mitch McConnell they don't want a&nbsp;trial&nbsp;anymore."

With no agreement in sight on how to proceed, senators on Monday are expected to resume consideration of a nominee to head the Small Business Administration as they return to town for business after a holiday break.

Trump&nbsp;is accused of abusing his power by asking Ukraine to announce a corruption investigation of former Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-may-consider-obama-as-supreme-court-judge-if-he-becomes-president-271019">Joe Biden</a>, a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination to face&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in the November presidential election.

He was also accused of obstructing Congress by directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facing-blowback-biden-clarifies-stance-on-impeachment-trial-testimony-270786">impeachment&nbsp;inquiry</a>.

Trump&nbsp;says he did nothing wrong and has dismissed his&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win.

With&nbsp;Trump's fellow&nbsp;Republicans controlling the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;with a 53-47 majority, he is unlikely to be convicted and removed from office, which would require a two-thirds majority vote.

Democrats, however, hope they could peel off a few&nbsp;Republicans to push through a resolution for witnesses, which would only require a simple majority.

Allowing witness testimony could bring up new evidence damaging to&nbsp;Trump.

"We need the truth,"&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on Twitter. "Not a cover-up. Not a nationally televised mock&nbsp;trial&nbsp;with no evidence."

The head of the US Senate Judiciary Committee Lindsey Graham said on Sunday he wants the Senate to launch an impeachment trial of President Donald Trump within days and wrap it up this month, even if it means changing Senate rules.

The head of the US Senate Judiciary Committee Lindsey Graham said on Sunday he wants the Senate to launch an impeachment trial of President Donald Trump within days and wrap it up this month, even if it means changing Senate rules. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives last month voted to impeach Trump for abuse of power in pressuring Ukraine to investigate a political rival and for obstructing the House impeachment probe. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, however, has not yet sent the articles of impeachment to the Republican-led Senate, where the president would be tried, as Democrats have sought to pressure Republicans to call witnesses. Speaking on Fox News Channel's "Sunday Morning Futures," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he wants to change the Senate rules to kick start a trial if Pelosi does not send the articles of impeachment. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said on Friday the Senate cannot proceed with a trial under its rules until it receives them. McConnell has argued that any decision on potential witnesses should come after senators have heard opening arguments and have had a chance to ask questions. "My goal is to start this trial in the next coming days," Graham said. "If we don't get the articles this week, then we need to take matters in our own hands and change the rules." "This thing needs to be over with in January," he said, arguing that a delay denies Trump an opportunity to confront the accusations and impedes Congress' ability to pursue other business. McConnell's office on Sunday did not comment on Graham's call for a possible rule change. An aide to Pelosi referred to a statement she issued on Friday in which she accused McConnell of being complicit in Trump's "cover-up of his abuses of power." US Representative Adam Schiff, the Democratic Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee that led the House impeachment proceedings said on CNN: "Both Democrats and Republicans are now having to go on the record and say, do we want witnesses? Do we want to see the documents? Do we want the American people to hear the evidence? Do we want a real trial? Or do we want a cover-up? It's clear, I think, from the president and Mitch McConnell they don't want a trial anymore." With no agreement in sight on how to proceed, senators on Monday are expected to resume consideration of a nominee to head the Small Business Administration as they return to town for business after a holiday break. Trump is accused of abusing his power by asking Ukraine to announce a corruption investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the November presidential election. He was also accused of obstructing Congress by directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the House impeachment inquiry. Trump says he did nothing wrong and has dismissed his impeachment as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win. With Trump's fellow Republicans controlling the Senate with a 53-47 majority, he is unlikely to be convicted and removed from office, which would require a two-thirds majority vote. Democrats, however, hope they could peel off a few Republicans to push through a resolution for witnesses, which would only require a simple majority. Allowing witness testimony could bring up new evidence damaging to Trump. "We need the truth," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on Twitter. "Not a cover-up. Not a nationally televised mock trial with no evidence."

Senator Lindsey Graham wishes to kick start trump impeachment trial even if it means changing Senate rules

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-us-senate-in-stalemate-over-how-to-proceed-272003">White&nbsp;House</a>&nbsp;sent to Congress on Saturday&nbsp;formal&nbsp;notification of Friday's US&nbsp;drone&nbsp;strike&nbsp;that killed a top Iranian general,&nbsp;amid&nbsp;complaints&nbsp;from&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;that President Donald Trump did not notify&nbsp;lawmakers&nbsp;or seek advance approval for the attack.

The US&nbsp;strike&nbsp;that killed Iranian military commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-respond-to-soleimani-killing-any-time-in-any-manner-foreign-minister-zarif-272013">Qassem Soleimani</a> in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;has caused a dramatic rise in tensions between Iran and the United States and its allies.

The classified notification was sent under a 1973 US&nbsp;law called the War Powers Act, which requires the administration to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action or imminent actions.

White&nbsp;House&nbsp;national security adviser <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-calls-for-positive-offensive-measures-to-ensure-safety-270976">Robert O'Brien</a> confirmed the&nbsp;notice&nbsp;had been sent and told Fox News on Saturday there were numerous legal grounds for the attack. He said Justice Department lawyers had signed off on the plan.

"This was an absolute legal operation," O'Brien said. "We feel very good about the legal basis for this military operation."

House&nbsp;of Representatives Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treasurys-mnuchin-to-head-us-delegation-to-davos-conclave-271625">Nancy Pelosi</a>, a Democrat, said it raised more questions than it answered.

"This document prompts serious and urgent questions about the timing, manner and justification of the Administration's decision to engage in hostilities against Iran," Pelosi said in a statement.

She said the "highly unusual" decision to classify the entire document compounded her concerns and "suggests that the Congress and the American people are being left in the dark about our national security."

A senior Democratic aide described the notification as "brief and insufficient."

In the notification, Trump's administration was expected to have explained the circumstances, the authority under which the action was taken and the expected scope and duration of the military involvement. The&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;declined to comment.

Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-labour-party-must-talk-values-to-win-back-the-asian-community-270978">Bernie Sanders</a>, a contender for the Democratic nomination to run against Trump in November's presidential election, said on Saturday that Congress must take immediate steps to restrain the president "from&nbsp;plunging our nation into yet another endless war."

Senator Elizabeth Warren, another Democratic presidential candidate, told reporters on Saturday that Trump has taken the United States "to the brink of war" and called his actions "reckless. He evidently has no plan."

Pelosi has said the&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-target-52-iranian-sites-if-americans-are-attacked-donald-trump-272166">Baghdad</a> was conducted without specific authorization&nbsp;from&nbsp;Congress and "without the consultation of the Congress."

On Saturday she described the administration's military engagement as "provocative, escalatory and disproportionate" and said it put US&nbsp;citizens, troops and their allies in danger.

The Pentagon on Friday briefed staff members&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;House&nbsp;Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee on the attack.

On Friday, Democratic US&nbsp;Senator Tim Kaine introduced a resolution to force a debate and vote in Congress to prevent further escalation of hostilities with Iran.

Republicans in Congress have generally backed Trump's action. Senate Majority Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treasurys-mnuchin-to-head-us-delegation-to-davos-conclave-271625">Mitch McConnell</a> said on Friday that "no man alive was more directly responsible for the deaths of more American service members than Qassem Soleimani."

The White House sent to Congress on Saturday formal notification of Friday's US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, amid complaints from Democrats that President Donald Trump did not notify lawmakers or seek advance approval for the attack.

The White House sent to Congress on Saturday formal notification of Friday's US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, amid complaints from Democrats that President Donald Trump did not notify lawmakers or seek advance approval for the attack. The US strike that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Iraq has caused a dramatic rise in tensions between Iran and the United States and its allies. The classified notification was sent under a 1973 US law called the War Powers Act, which requires the administration to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action or imminent actions. White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien confirmed the notice had been sent and told Fox News on Saturday there were numerous legal grounds for the attack. He said Justice Department lawyers had signed off on the plan. "This was an absolute legal operation," O'Brien said. "We feel very good about the legal basis for this military operation." House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said it raised more questions than it answered. "This document prompts serious and urgent questions about the timing, manner and justification of the Administration's decision to engage in hostilities against Iran," Pelosi said in a statement. She said the "highly unusual" decision to classify the entire document compounded her concerns and "suggests that the Congress and the American people are being left in the dark about our national security." A senior Democratic aide described the notification as "brief and insufficient." In the notification, Trump's administration was expected to have explained the circumstances, the authority under which the action was taken and the expected scope and duration of the military involvement. The White House declined to comment. Senator Bernie Sanders, a contender for the Democratic nomination to run against Trump in November's presidential election, said on Saturday that Congress must take immediate steps to restrain the president "from plunging our nation into yet another endless war." Senator Elizabeth Warren, another Democratic presidential candidate, told reporters on Saturday that Trump has taken the United States "to the brink of war" and called his actions "reckless. He evidently has no plan." Pelosi has said the strike in Baghdad was conducted without specific authorization from Congress and "without the consultation of the Congress." On Saturday she described the administration's military engagement as "provocative, escalatory and disproportionate" and said it put US citizens, troops and their allies in danger. The Pentagon on Friday briefed staff members from the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee on the attack. On Friday, Democratic US Senator Tim Kaine introduced a resolution to force a debate and vote in Congress to prevent further escalation of hostilities with Iran. Republicans in Congress have generally backed Trump's action. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Friday that "no man alive was more directly responsible for the deaths of more American service members than Qassem Soleimani."

White House gives lawmakers formal notice of Iraq strike amid complaints from Democrats

US&nbsp;Democrats on Thursday pressed the Republican-controlled Senate to call <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeached-us-president-trump-says-democrats-consumed-with-hatred-269042">Donald Trump</a>'s top lieutenants to testify in its trial of the impeached president, as they sought to focus attention on the trial ahead of the 2020 presidential election.

A day after the Democratic-led US&nbsp;House of Representatives <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-votes-to-impeach-trump-for-obstruction-of-congress-269040/amp">impeached Trump</a>, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would not formally hand off impeachment to the Senate until she got a sense of how Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell would manage the trial.

"We're ready when we see what they have," she told a news conference.

Pelosi was not expected to move until lawmakers return from their year-end recess in early January, according to aides.

That did not seem to bother McConnell, who said the two sides were at an impasse.

"I'm not sure what leverage there is in refraining from sending us something we do not want," he said on the Senate floor.

The impeachment effort has deepened the partisan divide in Washington, and polls show that public opinion has hardened along ideological lines as well.

One surprise came when Christianity Today, a prominent evangelical publication, called Trump's conduct "profoundly immoral" and said he should be removed from office.

Polls have found that white evangelical Christians are among Trump's most loyal supporters.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and called the impeachment enquiry launched by Pelosi in September a "witch hunt."

His political future now rests with 77-year-old McConnell, a self-proclaimed "Grim Reaper" who is widely known as a shrewd negotiator who plays hardball politics at a level unusual even by Washington standards.

Democrats want McConnell to allow top Trump aides like Mick Mulvaney, the White House acting chief of staff, and John Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser, to testify, according to a senior Democratic aide.

"Is the president's case so weak that none of the president's men can defend him under oath?" asked Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who later urged McConnell in a meeting to use the two-week recess to consider allowing witnesses.

In an interview on MSNBC, Schumer said he doubted McConnell would agree to allow witness testimony. But Schumer said he believed enough Republican senators would join all the Democrats in forcing the adoption of rules for the trial that would include having witnesses testify.

In a historic vote on Wednesday evening, House <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeached-us-president-trump-says-democrats-consumed-with-hatred-269042">Democrats impeached Trump</a> for alleged abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his attempts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Democratic political foe, Joe Biden. He is only the third US&nbsp;president to be impeached.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump impeached. What happens next?

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The Senate trial is expected in early January. Trump himself has expressed an interest in a long trial with witnesses, but senior Republican senators want to put the affair behind them. They point out that there were no live witnesses at the 1999 impeachment trial of Democratic then-President Bill Clinton.

McConnell and Schumer met on Thursday afternoon. Asked how he felt about Pelosi potentially withholding the articles of impeachment, the Republican said: "If the speaker wants to hold on to them, it’s fine with us."

Earlier, McConnell accused Democrats of succumbing to "transient passions and factionalism" and made it clear that he did not think the Senate should find Trump guilty.

"The vote did not reflect what had been proven. It only reflects how they feel about the president. The Senate must put this right," McConnell said on the Senate floor.

Trump, 73, is accused of abusing his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Biden, a former US&nbsp;vice president, as well as a discredited theory that Democrats conspired with Ukraine to meddle in the 2016 election.

Democrats say that as part of his pressure campaign, Trump held back $391 million in security aid for Ukraine and a coveted White House meeting for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as leverage to coerce Kyiv into interfering in the 2020 election by smearing Biden.

Trump is also accused of obstruction of Congress for directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry.

A Senate trial would kick off a politically charged year heading into the presidential election, which will pit Trump against one of a field of Democratic contenders, including Biden, who has repeatedly criticized the president's conduct in office.

Fewer than half of Americans want Trump removed from office, according to polls&nbsp;released on Thursday.

The Senate is highly unlikely to find Trump guilty and remove him from office. At least 20 Republican senators would have to vote to convict Trump and none has indicated a willingness to do so.

McConnell has said he is working in tandem with the White House on trial preparations, drawing accusations from Democrats that he is ignoring his duty to consider the evidence in an impartial manner.

Asked about his strategy, Trump told reporters at the White House: "We have great senators - Republican senators. ... I'm going to let them decide what to do. That's going to be up to them."

Pelosi she would wait to name the Democratic House "managers," who will prosecute the case, until she knew more about the Senate trial procedures. The chamber's No. 3 Democrat, James Clyburn, told CNN the House could wait indefinitely.

Pelosi's tactic gives Democrats time to convince some Senate Republicans that they should hear from witnesses, said Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen.

"When you have a trial you get to call witnesses," he told Reuters.

US Democrats on Thursday pressed the Republican-controlled Senate to call Donald Trump's top lieutenants to testify in its trial of the impeached president, as they sought to focus attention on the trial ahead of the 2020 presidential election.

US Democrats on Thursday pressed the Republican-controlled Senate to call Donald Trump's top lieutenants to testify in its trial of the impeached president, as they sought to focus attention on the trial ahead of the 2020 presidential election. A day after the Democratic-led US House of Representatives impeached Trump, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would not formally hand off impeachment to the Senate until she got a sense of how Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell would manage the trial. "We're ready when we see what they have," she told a news conference. Pelosi was not expected to move until lawmakers return from their year-end recess in early January, according to aides. That did not seem to bother McConnell, who said the two sides were at an impasse. "I'm not sure what leverage there is in refraining from sending us something we do not want," he said on the Senate floor. The impeachment effort has deepened the partisan divide in Washington, and polls show that public opinion has hardened along ideological lines as well. One surprise came when Christianity Today, a prominent evangelical publication, called Trump's conduct "profoundly immoral" and said he should be removed from office. Polls have found that white evangelical Christians are among Trump's most loyal supporters. Trump has denied wrongdoing and called the impeachment enquiry launched by Pelosi in September a "witch hunt." His political future now rests with 77-year-old McConnell, a self-proclaimed "Grim Reaper" who is widely known as a shrewd negotiator who plays hardball politics at a level unusual even by Washington standards. Democrats want McConnell to allow top Trump aides like Mick Mulvaney, the White House acting chief of staff, and John Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser, to testify, according to a senior Democratic aide. "Is the president's case so weak that none of the president's men can defend him under oath?" asked Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who later urged McConnell in a meeting to use the two-week recess to consider allowing witnesses. In an interview on MSNBC, Schumer said he doubted McConnell would agree to allow witness testimony. But Schumer said he believed enough Republican senators would join all the Democrats in forcing the adoption of rules for the trial that would include having witnesses testify. In a historic vote on Wednesday evening, House Democrats impeached Trump for alleged abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his attempts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Democratic political foe, Joe Biden. He is only the third US president to be impeached. Also Watch: Donald Trump impeached. What happens next? × The Senate trial is expected in early January. Trump himself has expressed an interest in a long trial with witnesses, but senior Republican senators want to put the affair behind them. They point out that there were no live witnesses at the 1999 impeachment trial of Democratic then-President Bill Clinton. McConnell and Schumer met on Thursday afternoon. Asked how he felt about Pelosi potentially withholding the articles of impeachment, the Republican said: "If the speaker wants to hold on to them, it’s fine with us." Earlier, McConnell accused Democrats of succumbing to "transient passions and factionalism" and made it clear that he did not think the Senate should find Trump guilty. "The vote did not reflect what had been proven. It only reflects how they feel about the president. The Senate must put this right," McConnell said on the Senate floor. Trump, 73, is accused of abusing his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Biden, a former US vice president, as well as a discredited theory that Democrats conspired with Ukraine to meddle in the 2016 election. Democrats say that as part of his pressure campaign, Trump held back $391 million in security aid for Ukraine and a coveted White House meeting for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as leverage to coerce Kyiv into interfering in the 2020 election by smearing Biden. Trump is also accused of obstruction of Congress for directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry. A Senate trial would kick off a politically charged year heading into the presidential election, which will pit Trump against one of a field of Democratic contenders, including Biden, who has repeatedly criticized the president's conduct in office. Fewer than half of Americans want Trump removed from office, according to polls released on Thursday. The Senate is highly unlikely to find Trump guilty and remove him from office. At least 20 Republican senators would have to vote to convict Trump and none has indicated a willingness to do so. McConnell has said he is working in tandem with the White House on trial preparations, drawing accusations from Democrats that he is ignoring his duty to consider the evidence in an impartial manner. Asked about his strategy, Trump told reporters at the White House: "We have great senators - Republican senators. ... I'm going to let them decide what to do. That's going to be up to them." Pelosi she would wait to name the Democratic House "managers," who will prosecute the case, until she knew more about the Senate trial procedures. The chamber's No. 3 Democrat, James Clyburn, told CNN the House could wait indefinitely. Pelosi's tactic gives Democrats time to convince some Senate Republicans that they should hear from witnesses, said Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen. "When you have a trial you get to call witnesses," he told Reuters.

US Democrats seek high-profile trial for Trump in Senate

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-against-trump-absolutely-on-made-up-grounds-putin-269164">Donald Trump</a> has demanded an immediate trial from Democrats after the timing of the Senate hearing was cast into doubt just a day after the House impeached a president for only the third time in history.

"So after the Democrats gave me no Due Process in the House, no lawyers, no witnesses, no nothing, they now want to tell the Senate how to run their trial. They have zero proof of anything, they will never even show up. They want out. I want an immediate trial!" Trump tweeted on Thursday (local time).

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So after the Democrats gave me no Due Process in the House, no lawyers, no witnesses, no nothing, they now want to tell the Senate how to run their trial. Actually, they have zero proof of anything, they will never even show up. They want out. I want an immediate trial!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1207817078725578755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sputnik reported that Trump tweeted, apparently responding to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's purported indecisiveness to continue with the impeachment trial in the US Senate.

The President also asserted that Republicans have never been so united.

"The House Democrats were unable to get even a single vote from the Republicans on their Impeachment Hoax. The Republicans have never been so united! The Dem' s case is so bad that they don`t even want to go to trial!" Trump said in another tweet.&nbsp;

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The House Democrats were unable to get even a single vote from the Republicans on their Impeachment Hoax. The Republicans have never been so united! The Dem’s case is so bad that they don’t even want to go to trial!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1207821957988835329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Trump had once again hit out at House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying that she is afraid to present her "phony impeachment hoax" to the Senate."Pelosi feels her phony impeachment HOAX is so pathetic she is afraid to present it to the Senate, which can set a date and put this whole SCAM into default if they refuse to show up! The Do Nothings are so bad for our Country!" Trump had said in a tweet.

US House of Representative on Wednesday voted to support the two articles of impeachment against President Trump.

The trail in the Republican-controlled Senate is likely to begin in January, Al Jazeera reported. However, that is only after House Democrats send articles of impeachment to the Senate.

(With inputs from ANI)

US President Donald Trump has demanded an immediate trial from Democrats after the timing of the Senate hearing was cast into doubt just a day after the House impeached a president for only the third time in history.

US President Donald Trump has demanded an immediate trial from Democrats after the timing of the Senate hearing was cast into doubt just a day after the House impeached a president for only the third time in history. "So after the Democrats gave me no Due Process in the House, no lawyers, no witnesses, no nothing, they now want to tell the Senate how to run their trial. They have zero proof of anything, they will never even show up. They want out. I want an immediate trial!" Trump tweeted on Thursday (local time). So after the Democrats gave me no Due Process in the House, no lawyers, no witnesses, no nothing, they now want to tell the Senate how to run their trial. Actually, they have zero proof of anything, they will never even show up. They want out. I want an immediate trial! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2019 × Sputnik reported that Trump tweeted, apparently responding to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's purported indecisiveness to continue with the impeachment trial in the US Senate. The President also asserted that Republicans have never been so united. "The House Democrats were unable to get even a single vote from the Republicans on their Impeachment Hoax. The Republicans have never been so united! The Dem' s case is so bad that they don`t even want to go to trial!" Trump said in another tweet. The House Democrats were unable to get even a single vote from the Republicans on their Impeachment Hoax. The Republicans have never been so united! The Dem’s case is so bad that they don’t even want to go to trial! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2019 × Earlier, Trump had once again hit out at House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying that she is afraid to present her "phony impeachment hoax" to the Senate."Pelosi feels her phony impeachment HOAX is so pathetic she is afraid to present it to the Senate, which can set a date and put this whole SCAM into default if they refuse to show up! The Do Nothings are so bad for our Country!" Trump had said in a tweet. US House of Representative on Wednesday voted to support the two articles of impeachment against President Trump. The trail in the Republican-controlled Senate is likely to begin in January, Al Jazeera reported. However, that is only after House Democrats send articles of impeachment to the Senate. (With inputs from ANI)

Democrats have no proof, I want an immediate trial: Trump on impeachment proceedings

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi called President Donald Trump an ongoing threat to American democracy as the bitterly divided chamber engaged in an impeachment debate before historic votes on two charges accusing the Republican president of abusing his power and obstructing Congress.

Pelosi calls Trump threat to U.S. in House debate before impeachment vote

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-did-nothing-wrong-says-trump-ahead-of-impeachment-vote-in-us-house-269000">Donald&nbsp;Trump</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday became the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-on-track-to-become-third-us-president-to-be-impeached-268809">third&nbsp;US&nbsp;president to be impeached</a> as the&nbsp;House&nbsp;of Representatives formally charged him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in a&nbsp;historic&nbsp;step that will inflame partisan tensions across a deeply&nbsp;divided&nbsp;America.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump impeached on two counts by US House

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The Democratic-led&nbsp;House's passage of two articles of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-does-the-impeachment-of-a-us-president-work-265766">impeachment</a> on a mostly party-line&nbsp;vote&nbsp;sets the stage for a trial next month in the Republican-controlled Senate, friendlier terrain for&nbsp;Trump, on whether to convict and remove him from office.

No president in the 243-year history of the United States has been removed from office by impeachment. That would require a two-thirds majority in the 100-member Senate, meaning at least 20 Republicans would have to join Democrats in voting against&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and none have indicated they will.

The Senate's top Republican, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-impeachment-trial-first-priority-in-january-us-senate-leader-267756">Mitch McConnell</a>, has predicted there is "no chance" his chamber will remove&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;when it holds its trial.&nbsp;House&nbsp;Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pens-a-blistering-letter-to-nancy-pelosi-accuses-democrats-of-attempted-coup-268812">Nancy Pelosi </a>said after the&nbsp;vote&nbsp;she would wait to name the&nbsp;House&nbsp;managers, or prosecutors, until she knew more about the procedures for the Senate trial. She did not specify when she would send the articles to the Senate.

"So far, we haven't seen anything that looks fair to us," Pelosi told reporters.

Trump, 73, is accused of abusing his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, a leading contender for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, as well as a discredited theory that Democrats conspired with Ukraine to meddle in the 2016 election.

Democrats said&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;held back $391 million in security aid intended to combat Russia-backed separatists and a coveted White&nbsp;House&nbsp;meeting for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as leverage to coerce Kiev into interfering in the 2020 election by smearing Biden.

The second article accused&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;of obstruction of Congress by directing administration officials and agencies not to comply with lawful&nbsp;House&nbsp;subpoenas for testimony and documents related to impeachment.

Trump, who is seeking another four-year term in the November 2020 presidential election, has denied wrongdoing and called the impeachment inquiry launched by Pelosi in September a "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-faces-two-impeachment-deadlines-as-inquiry-shifts-focus-265580">witch hunt</a>."

At a raucous rally for his re-election in Battle Creek, Michigan, as the&nbsp;House&nbsp;voted,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said the impeachment would be a "mark of shame" for Democrats and Pelosi, and cost them in the 2020 election.

"This lawless, partisan impeachment is a political suicide march for the Democrat Party,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said. "They're the ones who should be impeached, every one of them."

Here to defend democracy

During a daylong debate before the&nbsp;vote, Pelosi read the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Pledge of Allegiance and said: "We are here to defend democracy for the people."

"If we do not act now, we would be derelict in our duty. It is tragic that the president's reckless actions make impeachment necessary," Pelosi said.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Nancy Pelosi and Trump impeachment

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As the debate unfolded, Republicans accused Democrats of seeking to use an unfair, rigged process to nullify the 2016 election and influence the 2020&nbsp;vote.

"The matter before the&nbsp;House&nbsp;today is based solely on a fundamental hatred of our president. It's a sham, a witch hunt and it's tantamount to a coup against the duly elected president of the United States," Republican Representative Mike Rogers said.

Republican Representative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-factories-falter-white-house-insists-economy-like-a-rock-254008">Mike Kelly</a> compared the impeachment to the Japanese attack on Hawaii's Pearl Harbor in 1941, calling the&nbsp;House&nbsp;proceedings another "date that will live in infamy", similar to the words Democratic President Franklin Roosevelt used to describe the raid that killed about 2,400 people and led to America's entry into World War Two.

The abuse of power article was passed on a 230-197&nbsp;vote&nbsp;and the obstruction article was passed 229-198. All of the&nbsp;House&nbsp;Republicans opposed the articles, and two Democrats, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-effort-passes-first-test-in-divided-us-congress-259134">Collin Peterson and Jeff Van Drew</a>,&nbsp;voted no on both. Democrat Jared Golden&nbsp;voted against the obstruction charge but for abuse of power.

"The only part of the&nbsp;vote&nbsp;that was bipartisan was in opposition. The President is just getting stronger while support for the Democrats’ political theater has faded,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;campaign manager Brad Parscale said in a statement.

US&nbsp;Representative Tulsi Gabbard, a Democratic presidential candidate,&nbsp;voted present on both articles, declaring in a statement: "I could not in good conscience&nbsp;vote&nbsp;either yes or no."

Polarized Country

Trump's election has polarized the United States, dividing families and friends and making it more difficult for politicians in Washington to find middle ground as they try to confront pressing challenges like the rise of China and climate change.

The impeachment&nbsp;vote&nbsp;comes ahead of&nbsp;Trump's re-election campaign, which will pit him against the winner among a field of Democratic contenders, including Biden, who have repeatedly criticized&nbsp;Trump's conduct in office and promised to make it a key issue.

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President Trump abused his power, violated his oath of office, and betrayed our nation. This is a solemn moment for our country. But in the United States of America, no one is above the law — not even the President.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1207479041256755201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"President&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;abused his power, violated his oath of office, and betrayed our nation," Biden said on Twitter after the&nbsp;vote, adding: "In the United States of America, no one is above the law,&nbsp;not even the president."

Polls show that while most Democrats want to see him impeached, most Republicans do not. Televised hearings last month that were meant to build public support for impeachment appear to have pushed the two sides further apart.

The&nbsp;House&nbsp;vote&nbsp;on Wednesday was just the latest, but also unquestionably the biggest, in a string of controversies that have buffeted the turbulent presidency of the New York real estate mogul and former reality TV personality.

Central to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/house-panel-approves-trump-charges-sets-up-impeachment-vote-268182">impeachment inquiry </a>was a July 25 telephone call in which&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;asked Zelenskiy to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who had joined the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma while his father was&nbsp;US&nbsp;vice president.

Trump&nbsp;has accused the Bidens of corruption without offering evidence. They have denied wrongdoing.

A rough transcript of the call released by the White&nbsp;House&nbsp;showed&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;asking Zelenskiy, elected only three months earlier and eager for American support, to "do us a favor" and conduct the investigations in coordination with his personal lawyer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-democrats-make-case-for-republicans-to-endorse-trump-impeachment-268418">Rudy Giuliani</a>.

Giuliani in the prior months had engaged in a concerted effort to persuade Ukraine to carry out the investigations. Testimony before&nbsp;House&nbsp;committees showed that Giuliani helped engineer&nbsp;Trump's removal last May of the&nbsp;US&nbsp;ambassador to Ukraine, who was perceived as a roadblock to those investigations.

Impeachment is a remedy devised by the United States' founders, wary of a monarch on American soil after breaking away from Britain and King George III in the 18th century, to enable Congress to remove a president who has committed "high crimes and misdemeanors."

Only two previous presidents have been impeached. The&nbsp;House&nbsp;in 1998 impeached President Bill Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice arising from a sexual relationship he had with a White&nbsp;House&nbsp;intern, but the Senate acquitted him. The&nbsp;House&nbsp;impeached President Andrew Johnson in 1868, focused on his removal of the secretary of war, but he was acquitted by one&nbsp;vote&nbsp;in the Senate.

In 1974, President Richard Nixon resigned after the&nbsp;House&nbsp;Judiciary Committee approved articles of impeachment in the Watergate corruption scandal but before the full&nbsp;House&nbsp;could pass them.

Donald Trump on Wednesday became the third US president to be impeached as the House of Representatives formally charged him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in a historic step that will inflame partisan tensions across a deeply divided America.

Donald Trump on Wednesday became the third US president to be impeached as the House of Representatives formally charged him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in a historic step that will inflame partisan tensions across a deeply divided America. Also Watch: Donald Trump impeached on two counts by US House × The Democratic-led House's passage of two articles of impeachment on a mostly party-line vote sets the stage for a trial next month in the Republican-controlled Senate, friendlier terrain for Trump, on whether to convict and remove him from office. No president in the 243-year history of the United States has been removed from office by impeachment. That would require a two-thirds majority in the 100-member Senate, meaning at least 20 Republicans would have to join Democrats in voting against Trump and none have indicated they will. The Senate's top Republican, Mitch McConnell, has predicted there is "no chance" his chamber will remove Trump when it holds its trial. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said after the vote she would wait to name the House managers, or prosecutors, until she knew more about the procedures for the Senate trial. She did not specify when she would send the articles to the Senate. "So far, we haven't seen anything that looks fair to us," Pelosi told reporters. Trump, 73, is accused of abusing his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, a leading contender for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, as well as a discredited theory that Democrats conspired with Ukraine to meddle in the 2016 election. Democrats said Trump held back $391 million in security aid intended to combat Russia-backed separatists and a coveted White House meeting for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as leverage to coerce Kiev into interfering in the 2020 election by smearing Biden. The second article accused Trump of obstruction of Congress by directing administration officials and agencies not to comply with lawful House subpoenas for testimony and documents related to impeachment. Trump, who is seeking another four-year term in the November 2020 presidential election, has denied wrongdoing and called the impeachment inquiry launched by Pelosi in September a "witch hunt." At a raucous rally for his re-election in Battle Creek, Michigan, as the House voted, Trump said the impeachment would be a "mark of shame" for Democrats and Pelosi, and cost them in the 2020 election. "This lawless, partisan impeachment is a political suicide march for the Democrat Party," Trump said. "They're the ones who should be impeached, every one of them." Here to defend democracy During a daylong debate before the vote, Pelosi read the US Pledge of Allegiance and said: "We are here to defend democracy for the people." "If we do not act now, we would be derelict in our duty. It is tragic that the president's reckless actions make impeachment necessary," Pelosi said. Also Watch: Nancy Pelosi and Trump impeachment × As the debate unfolded, Republicans accused Democrats of seeking to use an unfair, rigged process to nullify the 2016 election and influence the 2020 vote. "The matter before the House today is based solely on a fundamental hatred of our president. It's a sham, a witch hunt and it's tantamount to a coup against the duly elected president of the United States," Republican Representative Mike Rogers said. Republican Representative Mike Kelly compared the impeachment to the Japanese attack on Hawaii's Pearl Harbor in 1941, calling the House proceedings another "date that will live in infamy", similar to the words Democratic President Franklin Roosevelt used to describe the raid that killed about 2,400 people and led to America's entry into World War Two. The abuse of power article was passed on a 230-197 vote and the obstruction article was passed 229-198. All of the House Republicans opposed the articles, and two Democrats, Collin Peterson and Jeff Van Drew, voted no on both. Democrat Jared Golden voted against the obstruction charge but for abuse of power. "The only part of the vote that was bipartisan was in opposition. The President is just getting stronger while support for the Democrats’ political theater has faded," Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said in a statement. US Representative Tulsi Gabbard, a Democratic presidential candidate, voted present on both articles, declaring in a statement: "I could not in good conscience vote either yes or no." Polarized Country Trump's election has polarized the United States, dividing families and friends and making it more difficult for politicians in Washington to find middle ground as they try to confront pressing challenges like the rise of China and climate change. The impeachment vote comes ahead of Trump's re-election campaign, which will pit him against the winner among a field of Democratic contenders, including Biden, who have repeatedly criticized Trump's conduct in office and promised to make it a key issue. President Trump abused his power, violated his oath of office, and betrayed our nation. This is a solemn moment for our country. But in the United States of America, no one is above the law — not even the President. — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 19, 2019 × "President Trump abused his power, violated his oath of office, and betrayed our nation," Biden said on Twitter after the vote, adding: "In the United States of America, no one is above the law, not even the president." Polls show that while most Democrats want to see him impeached, most Republicans do not. Televised hearings last month that were meant to build public support for impeachment appear to have pushed the two sides further apart. The House vote on Wednesday was just the latest, but also unquestionably the biggest, in a string of controversies that have buffeted the turbulent presidency of the New York real estate mogul and former reality TV personality. Central to the impeachment inquiry was a July 25 telephone call in which Trump asked Zelenskiy to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who had joined the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma while his father was US vice president. Trump has accused the Bidens of corruption without offering evidence. They have denied wrongdoing. A rough transcript of the call released by the White House showed Trump asking Zelenskiy, elected only three months earlier and eager for American support, to "do us a favor" and conduct the investigations in coordination with his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani in the prior months had engaged in a concerted effort to persuade Ukraine to carry out the investigations. Testimony before House committees showed that Giuliani helped engineer Trump's removal last May of the US ambassador to Ukraine, who was perceived as a roadblock to those investigations. Impeachment is a remedy devised by the United States' founders, wary of a monarch on American soil after breaking away from Britain and King George III in the 18th century, to enable Congress to remove a president who has committed "high crimes and misdemeanors." Only two previous presidents have been impeached. The House in 1998 impeached President Bill Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice arising from a sexual relationship he had with a White House intern, but the Senate acquitted him. The House impeached President Andrew Johnson in 1868, focused on his removal of the secretary of war, but he was acquitted by one vote in the Senate. In 1974, President Richard Nixon resigned after the House Judiciary Committee approved articles of impeachment in the Watergate corruption scandal but before the full House could pass them.

Divided US House impeaches President Donald Trump in historic vote

Just hours after the US House of Representatives voted to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-votes-to-impeach-trump-for-obstruction-of-congress-269040"> impeach President Trump</a>, Russian President Vladimir Putin at the year-end annual press conference said the US president's impeachment was based on "made-up grounds".

Donald Trump was impeached by the US House on two counts - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The abuse of power article was passed in the US House with a 230-197 vote and the obstruction article was passed with a 229-198 margin.

"It still needs to go through the Senate, where the Republicans have a majority," Putin said.

"And it is hardly likely that they are going to push out of office a representative of their own party, on grounds that are absolutely made-up," he added.

Reacting to the development, Trump at an election rally in Michigan said: "This lawless, partisan impeachment is a political suicide march for the Democrat Party." The US president said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrats had given themselves an "eternal mark of shame."&nbsp;

Watch Video:

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"They're the ones who should be impeached, every one of them," Trump said referring to the Democrats. The impeachment articles will now be presented before the Senate next month where Republicans are in majority.

White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Trump would be "fully exonerated." The president went a step ahead on Twitter and pinned a tweet which said, "in reality, they are not after me, they're after you."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a tweet said that "no one is above the law, Mr President," pointing towards Trump.&nbsp;

Just hours after the US House of Representatives voted to impeach President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin at the year-end annual press conference said the US president's impeachment was based on "made-up grounds".

Just hours after the US House of Representatives voted to impeach President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin at the year-end annual press conference said the US president's impeachment was based on "made-up grounds". Donald Trump was impeached by the US House on two counts - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The abuse of power article was passed in the US House with a 230-197 vote and the obstruction article was passed with a 229-198 margin. "It still needs to go through the Senate, where the Republicans have a majority," Putin said. "And it is hardly likely that they are going to push out of office a representative of their own party, on grounds that are absolutely made-up," he added. Reacting to the development, Trump at an election rally in Michigan said: "This lawless, partisan impeachment is a political suicide march for the Democrat Party." The US president said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrats had given themselves an "eternal mark of shame." Watch Video: "They're the ones who should be impeached, every one of them," Trump said referring to the Democrats. The impeachment articles will now be presented before the Senate next month where Republicans are in majority. White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Trump would be "fully exonerated." The president went a step ahead on Twitter and pinned a tweet which said, "in reality, they are not after me, they're after you." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a tweet said that "no one is above the law, Mr President," pointing towards Trump.

Impeachment against Trump absolutely on made-up grounds: Putin

Trump impeachment saga: What you need to know ahead of the vote

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