White House lawyers began presenting their defence of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-legal-team-to-begin-defence-arguments-at-us-senate-impeachment-trial-276533">Donald Trump at his historic Senate impeachment trial </a>on Saturday, saying the president had done nothing wrong in his dealings with Ukraine and accusing Democrats of seeking to overturn the results of the 2016 election.

White House counsel Pat Cipollone took the floor for opening arguments at a rare weekend session of the 100-member Senate, which will decide whether the 45th US president should be removed from office.

Democratic prosecutors from the House of Representatives, which impeached Trump on December 18, had not made their case that the president was guilty of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, Cipollone said at only the third impeachment trial in US history.

"We don't believe that they have come anywhere close to meeting their burden for what they're asking you to do," he told a hushed Senate chamber. "In fact, we believe when you hear the facts... you will find that the president did absolutely nothing wrong."

House prosecutors spent the previous three days laying out a detailed case that Trump withheld military aid to Ukraine to pressure his Ukrainian counterpart to open an investigation into political rival Joe Biden.

Cipollone said Democrats were asking the Senate to "overturn the results of the last election" and remove Trump from the ballot in the upcoming November vote.

"They're asking you to do something that no Senate has ever done," the White House counsel said.

"They're asking you to tear up all of the ballots across this country," he said. "Take that decision away from the American people.

"They are here to perpetuate the most massive interference in an election in American history and we can't allow that to happen."

Insulting nicknames

Shortly before the defence began its presentation, Trump fired off a tweet with insulting nicknames for leading Democrats and told his supporters to tune in to the live television broadcast.

The Republican president also tweeted remarks from supporters lauding his achievements since taking office in January 2017.

Trump's lawyers will have 24 hours spread over three days to present their defence of the president to the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53 to 47 seat majority.

They plan to speak for up to three hours on Saturday and resume their presentation on Monday.

The short session will be welcome to four senators battling for the Democratic presidential nomination, allowing them to return to the campaign trail ahead of the February 3 caucuses in Iowa, which kick off the primary season.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Colorado Senator Michael Bennet have been forced to remain in Washington for the hearings.

A two-thirds majority, or 67 senators, is required to remove a president from office and Democrats do not appear to have made any inroads in Trump's wall of Republican support.

"I don't believe anything they've said so far is impeachable," Senator Rick Scott told reporters after Democrats wrapped up their case Friday night.

'Trump first'

In his closing arguments, lead House prosecutor Adam Schiff warned that Trump would remain an "imminent threat" to American democracy if he stays in power.

"This is Trump first, not America first," Schiff said.

After the White House concludes its presentation, senators will have 16 hours to pose questions to both sides and consider whether they should subpoena witnesses, something Democrats have sought from the start.

If Democrats gain support for subpoenas, Republicans have threatened to call Joe Biden and his son Hunter to testify because their connections to Ukraine were at the heart of Trump's scheme to tarnish his election rival.

Democrats argued that Trump's refusal to allow top officials to testify and to supply subpoenaed documents to the House Ukraine investigation supported the second charge against him -- obstruction of Congress.

The questions from senators will be submitted in writing to US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the trial and will read them out loud.&nbsp;

Americans appear about evenly split on whether Trump should be impeached and removed, though several polls show a healthy majority want the Senate to subpoena witnesses for Trump's trial.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a prominent Trump defender, could bring the trial to a vote on the charges by late next week, and see Trump acquitted along party lines.

White House lawyers began presenting their defence of Donald Trump at his historic Senate impeachment trial on Saturday, saying the president had done nothing wrong in his dealings with Ukraine and accusing Democrats of seeking to overturn the results of the 2016 election.

White House lawyers began presenting their defence of Donald Trump at his historic Senate impeachment trial on Saturday, saying the president had done nothing wrong in his dealings with Ukraine and accusing Democrats of seeking to overturn the results of the 2016 election. White House counsel Pat Cipollone took the floor for opening arguments at a rare weekend session of the 100-member Senate, which will decide whether the 45th US president should be removed from office. Democratic prosecutors from the House of Representatives, which impeached Trump on December 18, had not made their case that the president was guilty of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, Cipollone said at only the third impeachment trial in US history. "We don't believe that they have come anywhere close to meeting their burden for what they're asking you to do," he told a hushed Senate chamber. "In fact, we believe when you hear the facts... you will find that the president did absolutely nothing wrong." House prosecutors spent the previous three days laying out a detailed case that Trump withheld military aid to Ukraine to pressure his Ukrainian counterpart to open an investigation into political rival Joe Biden. Cipollone said Democrats were asking the Senate to "overturn the results of the last election" and remove Trump from the ballot in the upcoming November vote. "They're asking you to do something that no Senate has ever done," the White House counsel said. "They're asking you to tear up all of the ballots across this country," he said. "Take that decision away from the American people. "They are here to perpetuate the most massive interference in an election in American history and we can't allow that to happen." Insulting nicknames Shortly before the defence began its presentation, Trump fired off a tweet with insulting nicknames for leading Democrats and told his supporters to tune in to the live television broadcast. The Republican president also tweeted remarks from supporters lauding his achievements since taking office in January 2017. Trump's lawyers will have 24 hours spread over three days to present their defence of the president to the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53 to 47 seat majority. They plan to speak for up to three hours on Saturday and resume their presentation on Monday. The short session will be welcome to four senators battling for the Democratic presidential nomination, allowing them to return to the campaign trail ahead of the February 3 caucuses in Iowa, which kick off the primary season. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Colorado Senator Michael Bennet have been forced to remain in Washington for the hearings. A two-thirds majority, or 67 senators, is required to remove a president from office and Democrats do not appear to have made any inroads in Trump's wall of Republican support. "I don't believe anything they've said so far is impeachable," Senator Rick Scott told reporters after Democrats wrapped up their case Friday night. 'Trump first' In his closing arguments, lead House prosecutor Adam Schiff warned that Trump would remain an "imminent threat" to American democracy if he stays in power. "This is Trump first, not America first," Schiff said. After the White House concludes its presentation, senators will have 16 hours to pose questions to both sides and consider whether they should subpoena witnesses, something Democrats have sought from the start. If Democrats gain support for subpoenas, Republicans have threatened to call Joe Biden and his son Hunter to testify because their connections to Ukraine were at the heart of Trump's scheme to tarnish his election rival. Democrats argued that Trump's refusal to allow top officials to testify and to supply subpoenaed documents to the House Ukraine investigation supported the second charge against him -- obstruction of Congress. The questions from senators will be submitted in writing to US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the trial and will read them out loud. Americans appear about evenly split on whether Trump should be impeached and removed, though several polls show a healthy majority want the Senate to subpoena witnesses for Trump's trial. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a prominent Trump defender, could bring the trial to a vote on the charges by late next week, and see Trump acquitted along party lines.

Trump did 'nothing wrong': White House opens Senate defence

Lawyers for US President Donald Trump will begin his defence at the Senate impeachment trial on Saturday, offering a rebuttal to Democratic charges that he abused his power and previewing more detailed arguments planned for next week.

In a shortened session, Trump's lawyers will begin three days of arguments to counter Democratic assertions that he should be removed from office for pressuring Ukraine to dig up dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden, a 2020 Democratic presidential contender, and then trying to cover it up by impeding a congressional investigation. Trump has denied wrongdoing.

Given that the defence presentation will open on a Saturday, what the Republican president in a tweet called "Death Valley on TV," the bulk of the arguments will be saved for early next week, Trump's lawyers said.

The US television audience for Democrats' arguments declined on Thursday to roughly 7.8 million viewers during live daytime coverage, according to data from the Nielsen ratings agency - a 29% drop from Tuesday afternoon.

The Trump legal team said it would bring up Biden's efforts to get Ukraine's former top prosecutor dismissed on corruption concerns. Trump, without providing evidence, has charged that Biden acted to head off an investigation into a Ukrainian energy company on whose board his son Hunter Biden served.

Government witnesses told the impeachment inquiry last year that Biden was carrying out official US policy.

"Why they opened up the door as wide as a double door on the Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, Burisma issue. I guess they figured that was their way of getting ahead of it. We will address it," Jay Sekulow, one of Trump's defence attorneys, told reporters.

The Senate session will convene at 10 am ET (1500 GMT) and run for several hours, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. The Trump legal team will have up to 24 hours over three days to make its case.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said his defence team should "just tell the truth" and accused Democrats of "telling so many lies, so many fabrications, so much exaggeration. And this is not impeachable."

The Democratic-led House of Representatives impeached Trump last month on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, setting the stage for the trial in the Republican-led Senate on whether to remove him from office before he seeks re-election in November.

It is the third Senate presidential impeachment trial in US history.

The president is expected to be acquitted in the Senate, where a two-thirds vote is required to convict and remove a president from office. No Republican senator has voiced any support for his ouster.

In wrapping up the opening arguments, Representative Adam Schiff urged Republican senators to show "real political courage" and support a Democratic motion later in the trial for more witnesses.

He warned that Trump would abuse his power again unless he is removed from office.

"If it meets the standard of impeachable conduct, as we have proved, it doesn't matter whether you like him. It doesn't matter whether you dislike him," said Schiff, who made the final presentation in the House prosecutors' case.

"What matters is whether he is a danger to the country, because he will do it again. And none of us can have confidence, based on his record, that he will not do it again, because he is telling us every day that he will," Schiff said.

Lawyers for US President Donald Trump will begin his defence at the Senate impeachment trial on Saturday, offering a rebuttal to Democratic charges that he abused his power and previewing more detailed arguments planned for next week.

Lawyers for US President Donald Trump will begin his defence at the Senate impeachment trial on Saturday, offering a rebuttal to Democratic charges that he abused his power and previewing more detailed arguments planned for next week. In a shortened session, Trump's lawyers will begin three days of arguments to counter Democratic assertions that he should be removed from office for pressuring Ukraine to dig up dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden, a 2020 Democratic presidential contender, and then trying to cover it up by impeding a congressional investigation. Trump has denied wrongdoing. Given that the defence presentation will open on a Saturday, what the Republican president in a tweet called "Death Valley on TV," the bulk of the arguments will be saved for early next week, Trump's lawyers said. The US television audience for Democrats' arguments declined on Thursday to roughly 7.8 million viewers during live daytime coverage, according to data from the Nielsen ratings agency - a 29% drop from Tuesday afternoon. The Trump legal team said it would bring up Biden's efforts to get Ukraine's former top prosecutor dismissed on corruption concerns. Trump, without providing evidence, has charged that Biden acted to head off an investigation into a Ukrainian energy company on whose board his son Hunter Biden served. Government witnesses told the impeachment inquiry last year that Biden was carrying out official US policy. "Why they opened up the door as wide as a double door on the Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, Burisma issue. I guess they figured that was their way of getting ahead of it. We will address it," Jay Sekulow, one of Trump's defence attorneys, told reporters. The Senate session will convene at 10 am ET (1500 GMT) and run for several hours, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. The Trump legal team will have up to 24 hours over three days to make its case. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said his defence team should "just tell the truth" and accused Democrats of "telling so many lies, so many fabrications, so much exaggeration. And this is not impeachable." The Democratic-led House of Representatives impeached Trump last month on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, setting the stage for the trial in the Republican-led Senate on whether to remove him from office before he seeks re-election in November. It is the third Senate presidential impeachment trial in US history. The president is expected to be acquitted in the Senate, where a two-thirds vote is required to convict and remove a president from office. No Republican senator has voiced any support for his ouster. In wrapping up the opening arguments, Representative Adam Schiff urged Republican senators to show "real political courage" and support a Democratic motion later in the trial for more witnesses. He warned that Trump would abuse his power again unless he is removed from office. "If it meets the standard of impeachable conduct, as we have proved, it doesn't matter whether you like him. It doesn't matter whether you dislike him," said Schiff, who made the final presentation in the House prosecutors' case. "What matters is whether he is a danger to the country, because he will do it again. And none of us can have confidence, based on his record, that he will not do it again, because he is telling us every day that he will," Schiff said.

Trump's legal team to begin defence arguments at US Senate impeachment trial

Lead House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adam-schiff-to-lead-prosecution-in-us-senate-on-trump-impeachment-trial-pelosi-274484">Adam Schiff</a> called dramatically for the Senate to remove President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-trade-accord-with-mexico-canada-next-week-276253">Donald Trump</a> from office Thursday, saying the US leader cannot be trusted to put the country's interests ahead of his own.

"The American people deserve a president they can count on, to put their interest first," said Schiff.

His impassioned words capped a long day in which Democrats detailed Trump's illicit scheme to pressure <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-accuse-trump-at-impeachment-trial-of-corrupt-scheme-to-pressure-ukraine-276105">Ukraine</a> to help his 2020 reelection campaign.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-accuse-trump-at-impeachment-trial-of-corrupt-scheme-to-pressure-ukraine-276105"> Democrats accuse Trump at impeachment trial of corrupt scheme to pressure Ukraine</a>

"You know, you can't trust this president to do what is right for this country. You can trust he will do what's right for Donald Trump," Schiff added.

"He'll do it now. He's done it before. He'll do it for the next several months. He'll do it in the election if he's allowed to. This is why, if you find him guilty, you must find that he should be removed."

"Because right matters. And truth matters. Otherwise, we are lost."

Also watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump's Impeachment: Democrats lay out abuse of power case

&nbsp;

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'It is illegal'

As the 100 senators sat as jurors and millions of Americans watched on television, House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;managers mustered scores of videos, internal documents and extensive witness testimony to lay out a strong case that the US leader abused his powers.

Schiff's prosecution team detailed how Trump flagrantly undertook last year to force <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bodies-of-ukrainian-victims-of-downed-plane-repatriated-from-iran-275279">Kiev </a>to help him tarnish his possible 2020 reelection rival, former vice president Joe Biden.

"President Trump used the powers of his office to solicit a foreign nation to interfere in our elections for his own personal benefit," House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler told the chamber.

"Since President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/george-washington-gold-coin-sells-for-17-million-159678">George Washington </a>took office in 1789, no president has abused his power in this way," Nadler said.

"The president has repeatedly, flagrantly, violated his oath... The president's conduct is wrong. It is illegal. And it is dangerous."

'Unfair and corrupt'

Over nine hours the Democrats methodically dismantled Republican claims that Trump did nothing wrong.&nbsp;

They left few doubts that Trump's sole motivation in secretly freezing aid to Ukraine last July was to force Ukraine President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-says-ukraine-getting-tired-of-trump-scandal-263215">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> to announce one investigation into Biden and a second into an unsupported story that Kiev helped Democrats in the 2016 election.

To puncture a key White House argument that the US constitution requires a specific crime to remove a president, they played old videos in which two of Trump's closest defenders, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and storied criminal defense attorney Alan Dershowitz, said that abuse of power itself is a clear impeachable offense.&nbsp;

And they detailed the extensive role of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani in the scheme to pressure Zelensky, even while US intelligence and diplomatic chiefs disagreed with it.

"Donald Trump chose Rudy Giuliani over his own intelligence agencies. He chose Rudy Giuliani over his own national security advisors... That makes him dangerous to our country," said Schiff, who leads the House Intelligence Committee.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-dream-team-meet-us-president-trumps-star-studded-legal-team-274978">&nbsp;Impeachment dream team: Meet US President Trump's star-studded legal team</a>

Uphill battle&nbsp;

Yet, three days into arguments into the historic trial, there were few signs that any of the Republican majority that Trump commands in the Senate would buy into the evidence and turn against him.

<img alt="Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="51672510-212d-4906-8c46-95972b7ed0a6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2020-01-22T231541Z_1_LYNXMPEG0L2GF_RTROPTP_3_USA-TRUMP-IMPEACHMENT-POLL.JPG" />

"What we heard from the managers yesterday, the day before, it is the same thing, day after day after day," said Republican Senator John Barrasso.

"We're hearing the same things over and over," said Trump attorney Jay Sekulow. "We will be putting on vigorous defense of both facts and rebutting what they've said."

At the White House, Trump unleashed a barrage of tweets attacking the process as "loaded with lies and misrepresentations."

"Most unfair &amp; corrupt hearing in Congressional history!" he tweeted

Witness issue

Democratic prosecutors will complete their arguments Friday with a focus on the second&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;charge, obstruction of Congress, before Trump's legal team holds the floor in his defense for three days.

Democrats are hoping their arguments will at least persuade some Republicans, who hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, to support their call to issue subpoenas next week for four top current and former Trump aides to testify, and for internal White House records about the Ukraine affair.

But all indications were that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, in coordination with the White House, will seek to stifle witness requests and bring the trial to a close with a vote to acquit Trump by the end of next week.

Both Trump and McConnell said early this week that the White House could claim executive privilege to refuse the subpoenas, forcing a court challenge that could prolong the case well into February.

Lead House impeachment manager Adam Schiff called dramatically for the Senate to remove President Donald Trump from office Thursday, saying the US leader cannot be trusted to put the country's interests ahead of his own.

Lead House impeachment manager Adam Schiff called dramatically for the Senate to remove President Donald Trump from office Thursday, saying the US leader cannot be trusted to put the country's interests ahead of his own. "The American people deserve a president they can count on, to put their interest first," said Schiff. His impassioned words capped a long day in which Democrats detailed Trump's illicit scheme to pressure Ukraine to help his 2020 reelection campaign. Also read: Democrats accuse Trump at impeachment trial of corrupt scheme to pressure Ukraine "You know, you can't trust this president to do what is right for this country. You can trust he will do what's right for Donald Trump," Schiff added. "He'll do it now. He's done it before. He'll do it for the next several months. He'll do it in the election if he's allowed to. This is why, if you find him guilty, you must find that he should be removed." "Because right matters. And truth matters. Otherwise, we are lost." Also watch: Donald Trump's Impeachment: Democrats lay out abuse of power case 'It is illegal' As the 100 senators sat as jurors and millions of Americans watched on television, House impeachment managers mustered scores of videos, internal documents and extensive witness testimony to lay out a strong case that the US leader abused his powers. Schiff's prosecution team detailed how Trump flagrantly undertook last year to force Kiev to help him tarnish his possible 2020 reelection rival, former vice president Joe Biden. "President Trump used the powers of his office to solicit a foreign nation to interfere in our elections for his own personal benefit," House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler told the chamber. "Since President George Washington took office in 1789, no president has abused his power in this way," Nadler said. "The president has repeatedly, flagrantly, violated his oath... The president's conduct is wrong. It is illegal. And it is dangerous." 'Unfair and corrupt' Over nine hours the Democrats methodically dismantled Republican claims that Trump did nothing wrong. They left few doubts that Trump's sole motivation in secretly freezing aid to Ukraine last July was to force Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce one investigation into Biden and a second into an unsupported story that Kiev helped Democrats in the 2016 election. To puncture a key White House argument that the US constitution requires a specific crime to remove a president, they played old videos in which two of Trump's closest defenders, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and storied criminal defense attorney Alan Dershowitz, said that abuse of power itself is a clear impeachable offense. And they detailed the extensive role of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani in the scheme to pressure Zelensky, even while US intelligence and diplomatic chiefs disagreed with it. "Donald Trump chose Rudy Giuliani over his own intelligence agencies. He chose Rudy Giuliani over his own national security advisors... That makes him dangerous to our country," said Schiff, who leads the House Intelligence Committee. Also read: Impeachment dream team: Meet US President Trump's star-studded legal team Uphill battle Yet, three days into arguments into the historic trial, there were few signs that any of the Republican majority that Trump commands in the Senate would buy into the evidence and turn against him. "What we heard from the managers yesterday, the day before, it is the same thing, day after day after day," said Republican Senator John Barrasso. "We're hearing the same things over and over," said Trump attorney Jay Sekulow. "We will be putting on vigorous defense of both facts and rebutting what they've said." At the White House, Trump unleashed a barrage of tweets attacking the process as "loaded with lies and misrepresentations." "Most unfair & corrupt hearing in Congressional history!" he tweeted Witness issue Democratic prosecutors will complete their arguments Friday with a focus on the second impeachment charge, obstruction of Congress, before Trump's legal team holds the floor in his defense for three days. Democrats are hoping their arguments will at least persuade some Republicans, who hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, to support their call to issue subpoenas next week for four top current and former Trump aides to testify, and for internal White House records about the Ukraine affair. But all indications were that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, in coordination with the White House, will seek to stifle witness requests and bring the trial to a close with a vote to acquit Trump by the end of next week. Both Trump and McConnell said early this week that the White House could claim executive privilege to refuse the subpoenas, forcing a court challenge that could prolong the case well into February.

Donald Trump 'should be removed': Adam Schiff

UN officials have been instructed not to use Whatsapp, the app owned by Facebook. “The senior officials at the UN have been instructed not to use WhatsApp, it’s not supported as a secure mechanism,” was the justification given by UN spokesman Farhan Haq. The&nbsp;statement comes amid accusations levelled by Jeff Bezos on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as the latter allegedly used a Whatsapp message to hack the Amazon CEO's iPhone.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in China, the&nbsp;fatal coronavirus death toll&nbsp;rose to 26 on Friday, with the Chinese government locking down millions in their cities in an attempt to control the spread of the deadly SARS-like virus.

Here are the top-10 world news of the day:

Coronavirus: 26 dead and millions on lockdown; China to build new hospital within 10 days

China is hurrying to assemble another emergency clinic in just 10 days to treat patients at the focal point of a fatal virus outbreak that has stricken several individuals, state media announced Friday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-26-dead-and-millions-on-lockdown-china-to-build-new-hospital-within-10-days-276334">Read More.</a>

Donald Trump 'should be removed': Adam Schiff

Lead House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;manager&nbsp;Adam Schiff&nbsp;called dramatically for the Senate to remove President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;from office, saying the US leader cannot be trusted to put the country's interests ahead of his own. "The American people deserve a president they can count on, to put their interest first," said Schiff.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-should-be-removed-impeachment-trial-276268">Read More</a>

UN instructs officials not to use WhatsApp; not supported as a secure mechanism, says spokesman

A UN spokesman has informed that UN officials not to&nbsp;use Facebook-owned Whatsapp to communicate.&nbsp;UN spokesman Farhan Haq said: “The senior officials at the UN have been instructed not to use WhatsApp, it’s not supported as a secure mechanism.” <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-instructs-officials-not-to-use-whatsapp-not-supported-as-a-secure-mechanism-says-spokesman-276367">Read More.</a>

Angry Saudis tweet to boycott Amazon over Crown Prince's alleged involvement in hacking Bezos' phone

Twitter is being flooded by pro-Saudi posts in defence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has been accused of&nbsp;hacking Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos' iPhone.&nbsp;Riyadh dismissed the accusations on Tuesday and called them&nbsp;absurd. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angry-saudis-tweet-to-boycott-amazon-over-crown-princes-alleged-involvement-in-hacking-bezos-phone-276374">Read More.</a>

Musharraf seeks mercy from Pakistan President Alvi over death penalty

Former&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;President and ex-army general Pervez Musharaff has forwarded a mercy plea to&nbsp;President&nbsp;Dr Arif Alvi. In the&nbsp;petition sent by Musharaff to the President of Pakistan, he argued that he was unlawfully given the death penalty without being given an opportunity to contest the verdict.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/musharraf-pleas-pakistans-president-for-mercy-276378">Read More.</a>

Thousands join anti-US rally in Baghdad, rattling rival protesters

Thousands of supporters of volatile Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in&nbsp;Baghdad&nbsp;on Friday for a "million-strong" march to demand the ouster of US troops, putting the protest-hit capital on edge. "Get out, get out, occupier!" some shouted, while others chanted, "Yes to sovereignty!"&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-join-anti-us-rally-in-baghdad-rattling-rival-protesters-276332">Read More.</a>

Trump administration rolls back law preventing pollution in drinking water sources

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalised a move that removes millions of miles of streams and around 50 per cent of America’s wetlands from federal oversight, which will potentially give a free hand to pesticides and other pollutants be dumped without penalty. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-rolls-back-law-preventing-pollution-in-drinking-water-sources-276317">Read More.</a>

Malaysian rights group sues Singapore minister over false news law

Singapore's interior minister was sued Friday by a&nbsp;Malaysian&nbsp;human rights group in a bid to prevent the city-state from enforcing its law against false information in Malaysia. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-rights-group-sues-singapore-minister-over-false-news-law-276299">Read More.</a>

Philippines President Duterte threatens to end US military pact

Philippine President&nbsp;Rodrigo Duterte&nbsp;has threatened to end a pact key to annual war games with American troops if the US does not restore the travel visa of an official who oversaw his drug war. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-threatens-to-end-us-military-pact-276289">Read More.</a>

Locust plague devastates crops in Horn of Africa

Swarms of desert locusts are wreaking havoc across the Horn of Africa, having&nbsp;damaged tens of thousands of hectares&nbsp;so far, according to reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Read More.</a>

UN officials have been instructed not to use Whatsapp, the app owned by Facebook. “The senior officials at the UN have been instructed not to use WhatsApp, it’s not supported as a secure mechanism,” was the justification given by UN spokesman Farhan Haq.

UN officials have been instructed not to use Whatsapp, the app owned by Facebook. “The senior officials at the UN have been instructed not to use WhatsApp, it’s not supported as a secure mechanism,” was the justification given by UN spokesman Farhan Haq. The statement comes amid accusations levelled by Jeff Bezos on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as the latter allegedly used a Whatsapp message to hack the Amazon CEO's iPhone. Meanwhile, in China, the fatal coronavirus death toll rose to 26 on Friday, with the Chinese government locking down millions in their cities in an attempt to control the spread of the deadly SARS-like virus. Here are the top-10 world news of the day: Coronavirus: 26 dead and millions on lockdown; China to build new hospital within 10 days China is hurrying to assemble another emergency clinic in just 10 days to treat patients at the focal point of a fatal virus outbreak that has stricken several individuals, state media announced Friday. Read More. Donald Trump 'should be removed': Adam Schiff Lead House impeachment manager Adam Schiff called dramatically for the Senate to remove President Donald Trump from office, saying the US leader cannot be trusted to put the country's interests ahead of his own. "The American people deserve a president they can count on, to put their interest first," said Schiff.Read More UN instructs officials not to use WhatsApp; not supported as a secure mechanism, says spokesman A UN spokesman has informed that UN officials not to use Facebook-owned Whatsapp to communicate. UN spokesman Farhan Haq said: “The senior officials at the UN have been instructed not to use WhatsApp, it’s not supported as a secure mechanism.” Read More. Angry Saudis tweet to boycott Amazon over Crown Prince's alleged involvement in hacking Bezos' phone Twitter is being flooded by pro-Saudi posts in defence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has been accused of hacking Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos' iPhone. Riyadh dismissed the accusations on Tuesday and called them absurd. Read More. Musharraf seeks mercy from Pakistan President Alvi over death penalty Former Pakistan President and ex-army general Pervez Musharaff has forwarded a mercy plea to President Dr Arif Alvi. In the petition sent by Musharaff to the President of Pakistan, he argued that he was unlawfully given the death penalty without being given an opportunity to contest the verdict. Read More. Thousands join anti-US rally in Baghdad, rattling rival protesters Thousands of supporters of volatile Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in Baghdad on Friday for a "million-strong" march to demand the ouster of US troops, putting the protest-hit capital on edge. "Get out, get out, occupier!" some shouted, while others chanted, "Yes to sovereignty!" Read More. Trump administration rolls back law preventing pollution in drinking water sources The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalised a move that removes millions of miles of streams and around 50 per cent of America’s wetlands from federal oversight, which will potentially give a free hand to pesticides and other pollutants be dumped without penalty. Read More. Malaysian rights group sues Singapore minister over false news law Singapore's interior minister was sued Friday by a Malaysian human rights group in a bid to prevent the city-state from enforcing its law against false information in Malaysia. Read More. Philippines President Duterte threatens to end US military pact Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to end a pact key to annual war games with American troops if the US does not restore the travel visa of an official who oversaw his drug war. Read More. Locust plague devastates crops in Horn of Africa Swarms of desert locusts are wreaking havoc across the Horn of Africa, having damaged tens of thousands of hectares so far, according to reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization. Read More.

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus death toll rises in China, UN on WhatsApp and more

The US Senate convenes to debate a resolution setting the rules for the impeachment trial against Donald Trump. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell changes trial limits after an uproar from democrats and concerns from some Republicans, now each side will get 24 hours for opening arguments over three days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sparks-fly-as-trump-impeachment-trial-opens-275837">Also read: Sparks fly as Trump impeachment trial opens</a>

And there are early indications, that the trial will be the political slugfest, that many predicted.

The Democrats and Republicans clashed on what has become the most contentious issue of the trial — calling new witnesses and documents.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-trial-opens-as-watchdog-faults-white-house-on-ukraine-274763">Also read: Trump impeachment trial opens as watchdog faults White House on Ukraine</a>

Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer called the senate trial rules 'completely partisan'.

He said the rules were framed by President Trump himself.

"The Republican leader will offer an organizing resolution that outlines his plan, his plan, for the rules of the trial. It is completely partisan. It was kept secret until the very eve of the trial. And now that it's public, it's very easy to see why. The McConnell rules seem to be designed by President Trump for President Trump," said Chuck Schumer, the minority leader. 
 
However, Schumer's amendments to subpoena key Trump aides is being shot down by the Republicans one-by-one.

First, the proposals to request White House and State Department documents were voted down by the republicans.

Another proposal to subpoena acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney has also been rejected by the Senate.

Most of the voting so far has remained along partisan lines.

Trump's legal team has argued that these witnesses were not part of the house hearings, and therefore cannot be included now.

They have argued that the Senate must not do the house's job for it. "We are being told that majority leader Mitch McConnell is in favour of finalising the trial rules today."

Minority leader Chuck Schumer, however, is introducing separate amendments for Trump aides and government documents. Schumer is also insisting on voting for each amendment.

The huge uproar by the Democrats was not completely ineffective.

Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell was forced to tweak his trial rules in a last-minute organising resolution.

The major change is that both sides will now get 24 hours to make opening comments over three days instead of two.

And all house evidence will be admitted unless there is a vote against it.

As all this drama unfolded in the senate, Donald trump was keeping a close watch from Davos, where he is attending the world economic forum summit.

He tweeted amid the trial with a single statement — Read the transcripts.

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READ THE TRANSCRIPTS!
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The US Senate convenes to debate a resolution setting the rules for the impeachment trial against Donald Trump. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell changes trial limits after an uproar from democrats and concerns from some Republicans, now each side will get 24 hours for opening arguments over three days.

The US Senate convenes to debate a resolution setting the rules for the impeachment trial against Donald Trump. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell changes trial limits after an uproar from democrats and concerns from some Republicans, now each side will get 24 hours for opening arguments over three days. Also read: Sparks fly as Trump impeachment trial opens And there are early indications, that the trial will be the political slugfest, that many predicted. The Democrats and Republicans clashed on what has become the most contentious issue of the trial — calling new witnesses and documents. Also read: Trump impeachment trial opens as watchdog faults White House on Ukraine Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer called the senate trial rules 'completely partisan'. He said the rules were framed by President Trump himself. "The Republican leader will offer an organizing resolution that outlines his plan, his plan, for the rules of the trial. It is completely partisan. It was kept secret until the very eve of the trial. And now that it's public, it's very easy to see why. The McConnell rules seem to be designed by President Trump for President Trump," said Chuck Schumer, the minority leader. However, Schumer's amendments to subpoena key Trump aides is being shot down by the Republicans one-by-one. First, the proposals to request White House and State Department documents were voted down by the republicans. Another proposal to subpoena acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney has also been rejected by the Senate. Most of the voting so far has remained along partisan lines. Trump's legal team has argued that these witnesses were not part of the house hearings, and therefore cannot be included now. They have argued that the Senate must not do the house's job for it. "We are being told that majority leader Mitch McConnell is in favour of finalising the trial rules today." Minority leader Chuck Schumer, however, is introducing separate amendments for Trump aides and government documents. Schumer is also insisting on voting for each amendment. The huge uproar by the Democrats was not completely ineffective. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell was forced to tweak his trial rules in a last-minute organising resolution. The major change is that both sides will now get 24 hours to make opening comments over three days instead of two. And all house evidence will be admitted unless there is a vote against it. As all this drama unfolded in the senate, Donald trump was keeping a close watch from Davos, where he is attending the world economic forum summit. He tweeted amid the trial with a single statement — Read the transcripts. READ THE TRANSCRIPTS! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2020 ×

Donald Trump impeachment: Senate trial officially underway, bitter debate dominates Day 1

Sparks flew Tuesday over proposed rules for the Senate trial of President Donald Trump, as Democrats accused Republicans of attempting a "cover-up" of evidence that the US leader abused his powers.

The first full day of the historic trial saw the Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell submit a resolution on procedures that does not admit evidence from the investigation of the president.

It also significantly compresses the timeline of Bill Clinton's 1999 trial, and prevents witnesses from being subpoenaed until both sides have finished arguing their case -- in what Democrats alleged was a bid to prevent fair and open proceedings.

"Leader McConnell's process is deliberately designed to hide the truth from the Senate and from the American people because he knows that the President's wrongdoing is indefensible and demands removal," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement.

"The Senate GOP Leader has chosen a cover-up for the President, rather than honour his oath to the Constitution," she said.

Democratic prosecutor Adam Schiff, who led the investigation that resulted in Trump's December 18 impeachment by the House of Representatives, accused McConnell of working "in concert" with the White House to prevent a fair trial.

"This is a process for a rigged trial," he charged.

Witness question remains

After the two articles of impeachment charging Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress were submitted to the Senate last week, his trial gets underway in earnest Tuesday afternoon with the 100 senators -- the jurors in the case -- voting on a timeline and rules for evidence.

It is only the third time a president has endured an impeachment trial, after Clinton and Andrew Johnson in 1868.

Like his two predecessors, Trump looks almost certain to be acquitted by the Senate Republican majority in a trial that could be as short as two weeks.

McConnell unveiled procedures late Monday which called for each side to have 24 hours over two days to present their case.

That suggested that the arguments in front of presiding Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts could stretch for 12 hours at a time, starting from 1 pm (1800 GMT) and spilling into the early morning hours.

Only afterwards would the question of witnesses be addressed: Democrats say they need to hear from key officials whose testimony the White House has until now blocked, but many Republicans retort that they had their opportunity and must now be content with the record to date.

Democrats have vowed to fight the proposed rules, accusing McConnell of rushing the trial and making it harder for witnesses and documents to be presented.

But with a 53-47 Republican majority in the Senate, and little dissent within the party, the rules are likely to pass with ease.

Schiff, who is leading the House impeachment managers team prosecuting the case against Trump, nevertheless urged Republican senators to force McConnell to change his proposal.

"This is the process if you do not want the American people to see the evidence," he said.

'Just a hoax'

The trial opens four months after the Ukraine scandal exploded, and 10 months before Americans go to the polls to decide whether to re-elect Trump.

The president himself was in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, where he repeated his longstanding characterization of impeachment as a "hoax."

In Davos, Trump said, "we're meeting with world leaders, the most important people in the world and we're bringing back tremendous business."

"The other's just a hoax," he said. "It's the witch hunt that's been going on for years and frankly it's disgraceful."

Pressure on Ukraine

The articles of impeachment state that Trump tried to pressure Ukraine into interfering in the 2020 election to help him win, and that he then tried to thwart the investigation by blocking witnesses and denying documents to the House of Representatives.

Central to the scandal is a July 25 telephone call in which Trump pushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden, Trump's potential opponent in the November vote.

Trump is accused of withholding nearly $400 million in military aid for Ukraine's war against Russian-backed separatists, and refusing Zelensky a White House meeting unless he opened a probe of Biden.

On Sunday Trump's legal team issued a 110-page defence which claimed the House has accused him of no specific "crime," that their investigation was a "rigged process," and that Trump was within his rights to push Ukraine to investigate Biden.

The Democrats' hopes for conviction rest heavily on whether they can persuade four Republican senators to break ranks and agree to subpoena four witnesses, current and former high-level Trump aides who Democrats say have first-hand knowledge of Trump wrongdoing.

Sparks flew Tuesday over proposed rules for the Senate trial of President Donald Trump, as Democrats accused Republicans of attempting a "cover-up" of evidence that the US leader abused his powers.

Sparks flew Tuesday over proposed rules for the Senate trial of President Donald Trump, as Democrats accused Republicans of attempting a "cover-up" of evidence that the US leader abused his powers. The first full day of the historic trial saw the Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell submit a resolution on procedures that does not admit evidence from the investigation of the president. It also significantly compresses the timeline of Bill Clinton's 1999 trial, and prevents witnesses from being subpoenaed until both sides have finished arguing their case -- in what Democrats alleged was a bid to prevent fair and open proceedings. "Leader McConnell's process is deliberately designed to hide the truth from the Senate and from the American people because he knows that the President's wrongdoing is indefensible and demands removal," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. "The Senate GOP Leader has chosen a cover-up for the President, rather than honour his oath to the Constitution," she said. Democratic prosecutor Adam Schiff, who led the investigation that resulted in Trump's December 18 impeachment by the House of Representatives, accused McConnell of working "in concert" with the White House to prevent a fair trial. "This is a process for a rigged trial," he charged. Witness question remains After the two articles of impeachment charging Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress were submitted to the Senate last week, his trial gets underway in earnest Tuesday afternoon with the 100 senators -- the jurors in the case -- voting on a timeline and rules for evidence. It is only the third time a president has endured an impeachment trial, after Clinton and Andrew Johnson in 1868. Like his two predecessors, Trump looks almost certain to be acquitted by the Senate Republican majority in a trial that could be as short as two weeks. McConnell unveiled procedures late Monday which called for each side to have 24 hours over two days to present their case. That suggested that the arguments in front of presiding Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts could stretch for 12 hours at a time, starting from 1 pm (1800 GMT) and spilling into the early morning hours. Only afterwards would the question of witnesses be addressed: Democrats say they need to hear from key officials whose testimony the White House has until now blocked, but many Republicans retort that they had their opportunity and must now be content with the record to date. Democrats have vowed to fight the proposed rules, accusing McConnell of rushing the trial and making it harder for witnesses and documents to be presented. But with a 53-47 Republican majority in the Senate, and little dissent within the party, the rules are likely to pass with ease. Schiff, who is leading the House impeachment managers team prosecuting the case against Trump, nevertheless urged Republican senators to force McConnell to change his proposal. "This is the process if you do not want the American people to see the evidence," he said. 'Just a hoax' The trial opens four months after the Ukraine scandal exploded, and 10 months before Americans go to the polls to decide whether to re-elect Trump. The president himself was in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, where he repeated his longstanding characterization of impeachment as a "hoax." In Davos, Trump said, "we're meeting with world leaders, the most important people in the world and we're bringing back tremendous business." "The other's just a hoax," he said. "It's the witch hunt that's been going on for years and frankly it's disgraceful." Pressure on Ukraine The articles of impeachment state that Trump tried to pressure Ukraine into interfering in the 2020 election to help him win, and that he then tried to thwart the investigation by blocking witnesses and denying documents to the House of Representatives. Central to the scandal is a July 25 telephone call in which Trump pushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden, Trump's potential opponent in the November vote. Trump is accused of withholding nearly $400 million in military aid for Ukraine's war against Russian-backed separatists, and refusing Zelensky a White House meeting unless he opened a probe of Biden. On Sunday Trump's legal team issued a 110-page defence which claimed the House has accused him of no specific "crime," that their investigation was a "rigged process," and that Trump was within his rights to push Ukraine to investigate Biden. The Democrats' hopes for conviction rest heavily on whether they can persuade four Republican senators to break ranks and agree to subpoena four witnesses, current and former high-level Trump aides who Democrats say have first-hand knowledge of Trump wrongdoing.

Sparks fly as Trump impeachment trial opens

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will allow each side a total of 24 hours to present their arguments in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, but the time must be confined to two working days, according to the text of his organizing resolution. Arguments will begin January 21 at 1 PM, according to the rules McConnell laid out, setting up several long days for Senate jurors. The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world. Please keep discussions on this channel clean and respectful and refrain from using racist or sexist slurs as well as personal insults. Subscribe to our channel at https://goo.gl/JfY3NI Check out our website: http://www.wionews.com Connect with us on our social media handles: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WIONews Twitter: https://twitter.com/WIONews Follow us on Google News for latest updates Follow us on Google News for latest updates WION: shorturl.at/fwKO0 Zee News English: shorturl.at/aJVY3 Zee News Hindi: shorturl.at/eorM1 Zee Business: shorturl.at/hpqX6 DNA News: shorturl.at/rBOY6 BGR: shorturl.at/eioqL

Trump's impeachment trial in Senate begins today

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will allow each side a total of 24 hours to present their arguments in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, but the time must be confined to two working days, according to the text of his organizing resolution. Arguments has begun begin in the senate. According to the rules McConnell laid out, setting up several long days for Senate jurors.

Trump's impeachment trial: Senators to lay ground rules today

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo promised Friday to investigate whether the ousted ambassador to Ukraine was being spied on by President Donald Trump's supporters but said he was unaware if so.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-broke-law-by-withholding-ukraine-aid-congressional-agency-274758">White House broke law by withholding Ukraine aid, says Congressional agency</a>

House Democrats, who cited Trump's dismissal of ambassador Marie Yovanovitch as they impeached him, released documents this week that suggested that the envoy was under private surveillance.

After days of the State Department not commenting, Pompeo said in two interviews with conservative media that he had not previously heard of any surveillance of Yovanovitch.

"We do our best to make sure that no harm will come to anyone," he told radio host Tony Katz.

"We will do everything we need to do to evaluate whether there was something that took place there," he said.

"I suspect that much of what's been reported will ultimately prove wrong, but our obligation -&nbsp;my obligation as secretary of state -&nbsp;is to make sure that we evaluate, investigate," he said.

Pompeo said he has never met Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian-born American who was working with Trump's personal lawyer, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.

The documents released by House Democrats detailed exchanges in which Yovanovitch's location was discussed, indicating that she may be under watch.

Ukraine earlier announced a probe amid indications that officials joined the alleged surveillance effort.

Trump last year removed Yovanovitch as ambassador and later denounced her in a call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky that triggered his impeachment.

Witnesses testified that Trump saw the veteran diplomat as an impediment in his bid to pressure Ukraine to investigate his domestic rival Joe Biden, whose son served on the board of a Ukrainian company.

Pompeo, a stalwart ally of Trump, has come under sharp criticism from former career diplomats for not robustly defending Yovanovitch either to the White House or in public.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo promised Friday to investigate whether the ousted ambassador to Ukraine was being spied on by President Donald Trump's supporters but said he was unaware if so.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo promised Friday to investigate whether the ousted ambassador to Ukraine was being spied on by President Donald Trump's supporters but said he was unaware if so. White House broke law by withholding Ukraine aid, says Congressional agency House Democrats, who cited Trump's dismissal of ambassador Marie Yovanovitch as they impeached him, released documents this week that suggested that the envoy was under private surveillance. After days of the State Department not commenting, Pompeo said in two interviews with conservative media that he had not previously heard of any surveillance of Yovanovitch. "We do our best to make sure that no harm will come to anyone," he told radio host Tony Katz. "We will do everything we need to do to evaluate whether there was something that took place there," he said. "I suspect that much of what's been reported will ultimately prove wrong, but our obligation - my obligation as secretary of state - is to make sure that we evaluate, investigate," he said. Pompeo said he has never met Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian-born American who was working with Trump's personal lawyer, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. The documents released by House Democrats detailed exchanges in which Yovanovitch's location was discussed, indicating that she may be under watch. Ukraine earlier announced a probe amid indications that officials joined the alleged surveillance effort. Trump last year removed Yovanovitch as ambassador and later denounced her in a call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky that triggered his impeachment. Witnesses testified that Trump saw the veteran diplomat as an impediment in his bid to pressure Ukraine to investigate his domestic rival Joe Biden, whose son served on the board of a Ukrainian company. Pompeo, a stalwart ally of Trump, has come under sharp criticism from former career diplomats for not robustly defending Yovanovitch either to the White House or in public.

Will probe possible surveillance of Ukraine envoy: Pompeo

The Senate impeachment trial on whether to remove US President Donald Trump from office formally began on Thursday even as a congressional watchdog found that the White House broke the law by withholding security aid for Ukraine approved by Congress.

The Senate impeachment trial on whether to remove US President Donald Trump from office formally began on Thursday even as a congressional watchdog found that the White House broke the law by withholding security aid for Ukraine approved by Congress. The assessment from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) was a setback for Trump, but it was unclear if it would figure in his trial in the Republican-led Senate given that key questions such as whether witnesses will testify or new evidence will be considered remain unanswered. Democrat Adam Schiff, who heads a team of seven House of Representatives members who will serve as prosecutors, appeared on the Senate floor to read the two charges passed by the House on December 18 that accused Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress arising from his dealings with Ukraine. US Chief Justice John Roberts, wearing his black judicial robe, took an oath to preside over the trial and then swore in the assembled senators who will serve as jurors, asking if they would "do impartial justice." The 99 senators present signed their assent one by one. One senator - Republican Jim Inhofe - was in his home state of Oklahoma to be with a family member facing a medical issue, according to his office, but was due to sign next week. The Senate is expected to acquit Trump, as none of its 53 Republicans has voiced support for removing him, a step that requires a two-thirds majority. Trump has denied wrongdoing and has called the impeachment process a sham. Opening statements were due to start on Tuesday. The abuse of power cited in the House articles of impeachment included Trump's withholding of $391 million in security aid for Ukraine, a move Democrats have said was aimed at pressuring Kiev into investigating political rival Joe Biden, the president's possible Democratic opponent in the Nov. 3 election. Congress had approved the funds to help Ukraine combat Russia-backed separatists. The money was ultimately provided in September after the controversy spilled into public view. The GAO said the U.S. Constitution does not grant a president authority to unilaterally withhold funds, as Trump did. Instead, a president can only withhold spending in limited circumstances spelled out by law, its report said. "Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law," the GAO said on Thursday. The GAO's findings are not legally binding, but its reports are seen by lawmakers as objective, reliable and generally uncontested. It has no prosecutorial power. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, who sought the GAO investigation, said the findings undercut Republican arguments that there was nothing wrong with Trump's action. "We now have a clear, lucid finding that the Trump administration violated the law and we know that the president ordered the administration to commit an illegal act," he told Reuters. Republican Senator John Cornyn said that while there may have been a civil violation of the law, it was not a criminal matter and certainly not an impeachable act. "The Constitution says you impeach presidents for treason, bribery, and high crimes and misdemeanors. And it's none of those things," said Cornyn, a former judge. Monitoring an ambassador? It is only the third impeachment trial in U.S. history and no president has been removed as a direct result of the process. Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before the full House could vote to impeach him. The House impeached Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998, but the Senate did not convict them. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the GAO report bolstered Democrats' argument that the Senate trial should include new evidence and hear from witnesses. Schiff indicated that the House prosecutors may call Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, if the Senate permits testimony in the trial. Documents released this week indicated Parnas, a Ukraine-born U.S. citizen, helped Giuliani investigate Biden and his son Hunter, and was also involved in monitoring the movements of former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch before Trump removed her in May. In an interview with Reuters, Giuliani said he pushed Trump to fire Yovanovitch but did not know if Parnas put her under surveillance. Giuliani said he was disappointed with Parnas' decision to cooperate with impeachment investigators. "I considered him a friend and I considered him to be a man who had character and now I consider him to be a man who will say whatever his phony lawyer wants him to say," Giuliani said. Parnas told MSNBC on Wednesday that Trump knew "exactly what was going on," and his lawyer has released several photos of Parnas with the president. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump repeated his assertion that he did not know Parnas. He called the whole thing a "big hoax."

Trump impeachment trial opens as watchdog faults White House on Ukraine

Trump's impeachment trial whether to remove the US President from office officially got underway in the Senate on Thursday.

Led by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, the prosecutors presented and read out the articles of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-trial-opens-as-watchdog-faults-white-house-on-ukraine-274763">impeachment to the senate.</a> The formal opening of the inquiry was marked by the swearing-in of Chief Justice John Roberts who issued the oath to all 100 senators to take part as jurors in the trial.

US constitution lays out that the chief justice will preside over the entire trial.

Even as the impeachment proceedings got underway at Capitol Hill, a handful of protesters staged demonstrations outside. Several groups like 'women's march' and 'rise and resist' took part in the protests.

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The major flashpoint between the democrats and the republicans in this trial is about the introduction of new witnesses. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said that they have asked for 4 fact-based witnesses to testify.

There are already indications that the republicans are not going to concede ground. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell called the president's impeachment a purely partisan performance by the democrats. He accused them of handing out souvenirs once the articles of impeachment were adopted in the house.

President Trump reacted to the trial by claiming innocence.

He said he was being impeached for a perfect phone call with the Ukranian president. Trump expects the proceedings in the Senate to move ahead rather quickly.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani,&nbsp;during an MSNBC interview spoke about Trump's attempts last July to persuade Ukraine to announce an investigation into Hunter Biden, who is the son of Democratic US presidential contender Joe Biden, and held a seat on the board of a Ukrainian energy company.

Trump said on Thursday he did not know Lev Parnas.

Trump told reporters he does not know Parnas and called the news of his statements "a big hoax."

Trump's impeachment trial whether to remove the US President from office officially got underway in the Senate on Thursday. Led by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, the prosecutors presented and read out the articles of impeachment to the senate.

Trump's impeachment trial whether to remove the US President from office officially got underway in the Senate on Thursday. Led by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, the prosecutors presented and read out the articles of impeachment to the senate. The formal opening of the inquiry was marked by the swearing-in of Chief Justice John Roberts who issued the oath to all 100 senators to take part as jurors in the trial. US constitution lays out that the chief justice will preside over the entire trial. Even as the impeachment proceedings got underway at Capitol Hill, a handful of protesters staged demonstrations outside. Several groups like 'women's march' and 'rise and resist' took part in the protests. × The major flashpoint between the democrats and the republicans in this trial is about the introduction of new witnesses. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said that they have asked for 4 fact-based witnesses to testify. There are already indications that the republicans are not going to concede ground. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell called the president's impeachment a purely partisan performance by the democrats. He accused them of handing out souvenirs once the articles of impeachment were adopted in the house. President Trump reacted to the trial by claiming innocence. He said he was being impeached for a perfect phone call with the Ukranian president. Trump expects the proceedings in the Senate to move ahead rather quickly. Meanwhile, Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, during an MSNBC interview spoke about Trump's attempts last July to persuade Ukraine to announce an investigation into Hunter Biden, who is the son of Democratic US presidential contender Joe Biden, and held a seat on the board of a Ukrainian energy company. Trump said on Thursday he did not know Lev Parnas. Trump told reporters he does not know Parnas and called the news of his statements "a big hoax."

US President Trump's impeachment trial officialy gets underway in Senate

The White House violated federal law by withholding security aid approved by lawmakers for Ukraine, a nonpartisan congressional watchdog said on Thursday, in a blow for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-knew-exactly-what-was-going-on-giuliani-associate-on-ukraine-row-274734">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> as the Senate prepared to hold a trial on whether to remove him from office.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives on Wednesday sent the Senate two charges it passed last month accusing Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress arising from his dealings with Ukraine, clearing the way for only the third impeachment trial of a president to begin in earnest next week.

The abuse of power cited by the House included Trump's withholding of $391 million in security aid for Ukraine, a move Democrats have said was aimed at pressuring Kiev into investigating political rival Joe Biden, the Republican president's possible Democratic opponent in the November&nbsp;3 US&nbsp;election.

"Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law," the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded, referring to the fact that Congress had already voted to appropriate the funds.

An arm of Congress, the GAO is viewed as a top auditing agency for the federal government that advises lawmakers and various government entities on how taxpayer dollars are spent.

While the agency's assessment was a setback to Trump, it was unclear how or even if it would figure in his trial in the Republican-led Senate given that key issues such as whether witnesses will appear or new evidence will be considered remain up in the air.

Democrats said the GAO report showed the importance of the Senate hearing from witnesses and considering new documents in the trial.

"This reinforces - again - the need for documents and eyewitnesses in the Senate," House Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adam-schiff-to-lead-prosecution-in-us-senate-on-trump-impeachment-trial-pelosi-274484">Nancy Pelosi</a> told a news conference.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, has said senators should consider only the evidence amassed by the House.

The House voted on Wednesday 228-193, largely along party lines, to give the Senate the task of putting Trump on trial. The Senate is expected to acquit him, keeping Trump in office, as none of its 53 Republicans has voiced support for removing him, a step that requires a two-thirds majority.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and has called the impeachment process a sham.

Democrat sought report

The GAO issued its opinion after receiving a letter inquiring about the aid from Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen. The agency's findings are not legally binding, but its reports are seen by lawmakers as objective, reliable and generally uncontested. The GAO has no prosecutorial power.

Its report noted that the US&nbsp;Constitution grants a president no unilateral authority to withhold funds in the way that Trump did. Instead, a president has a "strictly circumscribed authority" to withhold spending only in limited circumstances expressly provided by law. Holding up money for a policy reason, which the Trump administration did in this case, is not permitted, the report said.

Congress approved the $391 million to help Ukraine combat Russia-backed separatists in the eastern part of the country. The money ultimately was provided to Kiev in September after the controversy had spilled into public view.

A pivotal event leading to Trump's impeachment was a July 25 call in which he asked Ukraine's president to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden over unsubstantiated allegations of corruption and to look into a discredited theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 US&nbsp;election.

Democrats have said Trump abused his power by asking a foreign government to interfere in a US&nbsp;election for his own benefit at the expense of American national security.

Republicans have argued that Trump's actions did not rise to the level of impeachable offenses. They have accused Democrats of using the Ukraine affair as a way to nullify Trump's 2016 election victory.

Ceremony, rather than substance, was expected to mark Thursday's proceedings in the Senate, with the seven House "managers" named to prosecute Trump to present the articles of impeachment to the Senate at noon (1700 GMT).

The Senate later in the day will invite US&nbsp;Chief Justice John Roberts to the chamber to be sworn in to preside over the trial and, eventually, to swear in all 100 senators to serve as jurors. It will then formally notify the White House of Trump's impending trial.

The White House violated federal law by withholding security aid approved by lawmakers for Ukraine, a nonpartisan congressional watchdog said on Thursday, in a blow for US President Donald Trump as the Senate prepared to hold a trial on whether to remove him from office.

The White House violated federal law by withholding security aid approved by lawmakers for Ukraine, a nonpartisan congressional watchdog said on Thursday, in a blow for US President Donald Trump as the Senate prepared to hold a trial on whether to remove him from office. The Democratic-led House of Representatives on Wednesday sent the Senate two charges it passed last month accusing Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress arising from his dealings with Ukraine, clearing the way for only the third impeachment trial of a president to begin in earnest next week. The abuse of power cited by the House included Trump's withholding of $391 million in security aid for Ukraine, a move Democrats have said was aimed at pressuring Kiev into investigating political rival Joe Biden, the Republican president's possible Democratic opponent in the November 3 US election. "Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law," the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded, referring to the fact that Congress had already voted to appropriate the funds. An arm of Congress, the GAO is viewed as a top auditing agency for the federal government that advises lawmakers and various government entities on how taxpayer dollars are spent. While the agency's assessment was a setback to Trump, it was unclear how or even if it would figure in his trial in the Republican-led Senate given that key issues such as whether witnesses will appear or new evidence will be considered remain up in the air. Democrats said the GAO report showed the importance of the Senate hearing from witnesses and considering new documents in the trial. "This reinforces - again - the need for documents and eyewitnesses in the Senate," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told a news conference. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, has said senators should consider only the evidence amassed by the House. The House voted on Wednesday 228-193, largely along party lines, to give the Senate the task of putting Trump on trial. The Senate is expected to acquit him, keeping Trump in office, as none of its 53 Republicans has voiced support for removing him, a step that requires a two-thirds majority. Trump has denied wrongdoing and has called the impeachment process a sham. Democrat sought report The GAO issued its opinion after receiving a letter inquiring about the aid from Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen. The agency's findings are not legally binding, but its reports are seen by lawmakers as objective, reliable and generally uncontested. The GAO has no prosecutorial power. Its report noted that the US Constitution grants a president no unilateral authority to withhold funds in the way that Trump did. Instead, a president has a "strictly circumscribed authority" to withhold spending only in limited circumstances expressly provided by law. Holding up money for a policy reason, which the Trump administration did in this case, is not permitted, the report said. Congress approved the $391 million to help Ukraine combat Russia-backed separatists in the eastern part of the country. The money ultimately was provided to Kiev in September after the controversy had spilled into public view. A pivotal event leading to Trump's impeachment was a July 25 call in which he asked Ukraine's president to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden over unsubstantiated allegations of corruption and to look into a discredited theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 US election. Democrats have said Trump abused his power by asking a foreign government to interfere in a US election for his own benefit at the expense of American national security. Republicans have argued that Trump's actions did not rise to the level of impeachable offenses. They have accused Democrats of using the Ukraine affair as a way to nullify Trump's 2016 election victory. Ceremony, rather than substance, was expected to mark Thursday's proceedings in the Senate, with the seven House "managers" named to prosecute Trump to present the articles of impeachment to the Senate at noon (1700 GMT). The Senate later in the day will invite US Chief Justice John Roberts to the chamber to be sworn in to preside over the trial and, eventually, to swear in all 100 senators to serve as jurors. It will then formally notify the White House of Trump's impending trial.

White House broke law by withholding Ukraine aid: Congressional agency

US President Donald Trump "knew exactly what was going on" with an alleged campaign to pressure Ukrainian officials to investigate political rival Joe Biden, an indicted member his inner circle told US media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adam-schiff-to-lead-prosecution-in-us-senate-on-trump-impeachment-trial-pelosi-274484">Also Read: Adam Schiff to lead prosecution in US Senate on Trump impeachment trial</a>

Trump has strongly denied allegations he ordered a campaign pressuring Ukrainian officials to investigate the business dealings of former vice president Biden and his son, part of the impeachment inquiry that will formally read out charges facing the president in the Senate Thursday.

Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, told MSNBC on Wednesday that "President Trump knew exactly what was going on."

"He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president."

On Tuesday Democrats released newly acquired files that showed Giuliani working with Parnas early last year to pressure Kiev to investigate Biden.

They also showed the two, working with Ukrainian officials, trying to force out the US ambassador to the country, Marie Yovanovitch, who was eventually removed by Trump.

Parnas, a Soviet-born American, was arrested on charges of campaign finance violations in October as he attempted to flee the country, and was ordered to turn over key documents to House investigators.

Representative Adam Schiff, who had led the investigation and who will now lead the prosecution against Trump, said previously that Parnas "reportedly worked with Giuliani to pressure Ukraine for dirt on Trump's opponents."

The president has denied all wrongdoing, and sought to distance himself from Parnas when he was arrested in October -- along with his business partner.

"I don't know those gentlemen... I don't know what they do," Trump said last year. "Maybe you will have to ask Rudy."

US President Donald Trump "knew exactly what was going on" with an alleged campaign to pressure Ukrainian officials to investigate political rival Joe Biden, an indicted member his inner circle told US media.

US President Donald Trump "knew exactly what was going on" with an alleged campaign to pressure Ukrainian officials to investigate political rival Joe Biden, an indicted member his inner circle told US media. Also Read: Adam Schiff to lead prosecution in US Senate on Trump impeachment trial Trump has strongly denied allegations he ordered a campaign pressuring Ukrainian officials to investigate the business dealings of former vice president Biden and his son, part of the impeachment inquiry that will formally read out charges facing the president in the Senate Thursday. Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, told MSNBC on Wednesday that "President Trump knew exactly what was going on." "He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president." On Tuesday Democrats released newly acquired files that showed Giuliani working with Parnas early last year to pressure Kiev to investigate Biden. They also showed the two, working with Ukrainian officials, trying to force out the US ambassador to the country, Marie Yovanovitch, who was eventually removed by Trump. Parnas, a Soviet-born American, was arrested on charges of campaign finance violations in October as he attempted to flee the country, and was ordered to turn over key documents to House investigators. Representative Adam Schiff, who had led the investigation and who will now lead the prosecution against Trump, said previously that Parnas "reportedly worked with Giuliani to pressure Ukraine for dirt on Trump's opponents." The president has denied all wrongdoing, and sought to distance himself from Parnas when he was arrested in October -- along with his business partner. "I don't know those gentlemen... I don't know what they do," Trump said last year. "Maybe you will have to ask Rudy."

President Trump knew exactly what was going on: Giuliani associate on Ukraine row

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

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives will vote on Wednesday to send formal impeachment charges against President Donald Trump to the Senate, lawmakers said on Tuesday, likely setting the start of Trump's trial for later this week.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told a party meeting that she would also name the Democrats' team of "managers" who will lead the prosecution of Trump at the trial, Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar said.

Trump became only the third US president to be impeached when the House last month approved charges that he abused his power by pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation into his Democratic rival Joe Biden and obstructed Congress.

But Pelosi has delayed sending the charges to the Senate in an unsuccessful effort to get that chamber's Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to agree to include new witness testimony that could be damaging to the Republican president.

The Senate is expected to acquit Trump, as none of its 53 Republicans has voiced support for ousting him, a step that would require a two-thirds majority in the 100-member Senate.

A Wednesday vote would allow the Senate to start the trial on Thursday afternoon, although the first few days will be consumed with housekeeping duties such as swearing-in members and formally reading the two impeachment charges. Lawmakers likely would not hear opening arguments until next week at the earliest.

"We’ll have I think about a 10-minute debate and we’ll vote on it and then send everything over. And the Senate trial, I assume, will start next week,” Cuellar said.

In a US presidential impeachment trial, the senators act as a jury in proceedings overseen by the head of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice John Roberts. Republicans and Democrats are likely to clash over the issue of whether to call new witnesses.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has dismissed his impeachment as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win as he tries to win re-election in November.

The White House said on Tuesday the trial was "purely political."

"It's out of a desire to gain more power. It has nothing to do with the rule of law by any stretch because the articles they came up with don't actually cite any crime. It's just to try and smear this president because they know they can't beat him at the ballot box," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told Fox News.

Prosecution case

The case against Trump is focused on a July 25 telephone call in which he asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to open a corruption investigation into former Vice President Biden and his son Hunter, and into a discredited theory that Ukraine, not Russia, meddled in the 2016 US election.

Democrats say Trump abused his power by asking a foreign government to interfere in an American election for his own political benefit at the expense of US national security.

Joe Biden, whose son served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company, is a leading Democratic candidate for the presidential nomination to face Trump in the Nov. 3 election.

The two articles of impeachment -- or formal charges -- against Trump include an accusation that he obstructed Congress' efforts to investigate him by instructing officials to ignore House committee subpoenas to testify or to produce documents at an earlier stage of the Ukraine investigation.

Democrats want to hear at the trial from current and former White House officials such as former national security adviser John Bolton for insight into Trump's pressure campaign on Ukraine that could be damaging for the president's defence.

But the Republican majority in the Senate will set the trial's rules and McConnell has not committed to allowing any witnesses or new documents. He instead could steer the process toward a quick acquittal.

McConnell has left open the possibility of deciding on witness testimony until later in the trial. Allowing new witness testimony could be a double-edged sword for Democrats, as some Republicans have said they want to call their own witnesses.

Pelosi could name up to 10 lawmakers as managers to argue the case against Trump, including House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who spearheaded the impeachment probe, and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler.

The 1999 impeachment trial of then-President Bill Clinton lasted five weeks. If the Senate conducts its trial along those lines, as Republican McConnell has suggested, that would mean lawmakers would still be considering charges against the president while the first nominating contests of the 2020 presidential election were underway in Iowa and New Hampshire.

That could make life difficult for the four senators who are running for the Democratic nomination: Elizabeth Warren, Michael Bennet, Amy Klobuchar and Bernie Sanders.

Republicans presume Biden would have been damaged politically by a Ukrainian probe into him and his son, but Trump and his allies have offered no evidence that they were involved in corruption in Ukraine.

A US cybersecurity firm said on Monday that Russian military hackers tried to steal emails from the Ukrainian energy firm Bursima where Hunter Biden was on the board.

No US president has been removed as a direct result of impeachment. Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before he could be removed, while Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were impeached by the House, respectively in 1868 and 1998, but not convicted by the Senate. 
&nbsp;

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives will vote on Wednesday to send formal impeachment charges against President Donald Trump to the Senate, lawmakers said on Tuesday, likely setting the start of Trump's trial for later this week.

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives will vote on Wednesday to send formal impeachment charges against President Donald Trump to the Senate, lawmakers said on Tuesday, likely setting the start of Trump's trial for later this week. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told a party meeting that she would also name the Democrats' team of "managers" who will lead the prosecution of Trump at the trial, Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar said. Trump became only the third US president to be impeached when the House last month approved charges that he abused his power by pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation into his Democratic rival Joe Biden and obstructed Congress. But Pelosi has delayed sending the charges to the Senate in an unsuccessful effort to get that chamber's Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to agree to include new witness testimony that could be damaging to the Republican president. The Senate is expected to acquit Trump, as none of its 53 Republicans has voiced support for ousting him, a step that would require a two-thirds majority in the 100-member Senate. A Wednesday vote would allow the Senate to start the trial on Thursday afternoon, although the first few days will be consumed with housekeeping duties such as swearing-in members and formally reading the two impeachment charges. Lawmakers likely would not hear opening arguments until next week at the earliest. "We’ll have I think about a 10-minute debate and we’ll vote on it and then send everything over. And the Senate trial, I assume, will start next week,” Cuellar said. In a US presidential impeachment trial, the senators act as a jury in proceedings overseen by the head of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice John Roberts. Republicans and Democrats are likely to clash over the issue of whether to call new witnesses. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has dismissed his impeachment as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win as he tries to win re-election in November. The White House said on Tuesday the trial was "purely political." "It's out of a desire to gain more power. It has nothing to do with the rule of law by any stretch because the articles they came up with don't actually cite any crime. It's just to try and smear this president because they know they can't beat him at the ballot box," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told Fox News. Prosecution case The case against Trump is focused on a July 25 telephone call in which he asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to open a corruption investigation into former Vice President Biden and his son Hunter, and into a discredited theory that Ukraine, not Russia, meddled in the 2016 US election. Democrats say Trump abused his power by asking a foreign government to interfere in an American election for his own political benefit at the expense of US national security. Joe Biden, whose son served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company, is a leading Democratic candidate for the presidential nomination to face Trump in the Nov. 3 election. The two articles of impeachment -- or formal charges -- against Trump include an accusation that he obstructed Congress' efforts to investigate him by instructing officials to ignore House committee subpoenas to testify or to produce documents at an earlier stage of the Ukraine investigation. Democrats want to hear at the trial from current and former White House officials such as former national security adviser John Bolton for insight into Trump's pressure campaign on Ukraine that could be damaging for the president's defence. But the Republican majority in the Senate will set the trial's rules and McConnell has not committed to allowing any witnesses or new documents. He instead could steer the process toward a quick acquittal. McConnell has left open the possibility of deciding on witness testimony until later in the trial. Allowing new witness testimony could be a double-edged sword for Democrats, as some Republicans have said they want to call their own witnesses. Pelosi could name up to 10 lawmakers as managers to argue the case against Trump, including House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who spearheaded the impeachment probe, and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler. The 1999 impeachment trial of then-President Bill Clinton lasted five weeks. If the Senate conducts its trial along those lines, as Republican McConnell has suggested, that would mean lawmakers would still be considering charges against the president while the first nominating contests of the 2020 presidential election were underway in Iowa and New Hampshire. That could make life difficult for the four senators who are running for the Democratic nomination: Elizabeth Warren, Michael Bennet, Amy Klobuchar and Bernie Sanders. Republicans presume Biden would have been damaged politically by a Ukrainian probe into him and his son, but Trump and his allies have offered no evidence that they were involved in corruption in Ukraine. A US cybersecurity firm said on Monday that Russian military hackers tried to steal emails from the Ukrainian energy firm Bursima where Hunter Biden was on the board. No US president has been removed as a direct result of impeachment. Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before he could be removed, while Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were impeached by the House, respectively in 1868 and 1998, but not convicted by the Senate.

Democrats to vote on sending impeachment charges as Trump trial edges closer

The US House of Representative is expected&nbsp;to send documents of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Republicans-dominated Senate this week.&nbsp;

What happens in the House

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will is expected to meet the Democrats to discuss the formal impeachment charges against Trump over his dealings with Ukraine.

The House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerrold Nadler is likely to bring forward a resolution that will formally transmit the charges against Trump to the Senate.

Some Democrats will be then appointed as impeachment managers&nbsp;in order to prosecute the US President in the Senate.

Senate Process

After the Senate receives a notification from the House that the managers have been appointed, it would&nbsp;adopt a resolution, saying it is ready to receive the managers to present the charges.&nbsp;

US Chief Justice John Roberts would be sworn in to preside over the trial. Senators would be sworn in as jurors. Once the proceedings begin, the House managers would present their charges against the President. Thereafter, Trump's legal team will respond to the charges.

The Senators, sworn in as jurors, would then be given time to submit questions to each side. The Senate is expected to vote to acquit Trump. 
 
With a two-thirds vote required to convict the president, Trump’s acquittal in the Republican-controlled chamber is assured. The Constitution requires 67 votes to convict the President whereas only 34 votes to remove him.

What are the charges against Trump

Trump is accused of pushing Ukraine into investigating his Democratic rival Joe Biden. 
 
The charges say that Trump repeatedly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate whether Biden misused his position as Vice-President to threaten to withhold US&nbsp;aid unless a prosecutor who was looking into the gas company in which Biden's son was involved was fired. 
 
 
&nbsp;

The US House of Representative is expected to send documents of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Republicans-dominated Senate this week. What happens in the House House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will is expected to meet the Democrats to discuss the formal impeachment charges against Trump over his dealings with Ukraine.

The US House of Representative is expected to send documents of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Republicans-dominated Senate this week. What happens in the House House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will is expected to meet the Democrats to discuss the formal impeachment charges against Trump over his dealings with Ukraine. The House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerrold Nadler is likely to bring forward a resolution that will formally transmit the charges against Trump to the Senate. Some Democrats will be then appointed as impeachment managers in order to prosecute the US President in the Senate. Senate Process After the Senate receives a notification from the House that the managers have been appointed, it would adopt a resolution, saying it is ready to receive the managers to present the charges. US Chief Justice John Roberts would be sworn in to preside over the trial. Senators would be sworn in as jurors. Once the proceedings begin, the House managers would present their charges against the President. Thereafter, Trump's legal team will respond to the charges. The Senators, sworn in as jurors, would then be given time to submit questions to each side. The Senate is expected to vote to acquit Trump. With a two-thirds vote required to convict the president, Trump’s acquittal in the Republican-controlled chamber is assured. The Constitution requires 67 votes to convict the President whereas only 34 votes to remove him. What are the charges against Trump Trump is accused of pushing Ukraine into investigating his Democratic rival Joe Biden. The charges say that Trump repeatedly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate whether Biden misused his position as Vice-President to threaten to withhold US aid unless a prosecutor who was looking into the gas company in which Biden's son was involved was fired.

US President Donald Trump's impeachment: What happens next

Former US national security adviser(NSA) John Bolton in a statement said that if the US Senate issues a subpoena for his testimony in President impeachment proceedings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-all-high-crimes-and-misdemeanors-can-trump-be-impeached-for-266623">In Pics: What all 'high crimes and misdemeanors' can Trump be impeached for?</a>

"I have had to resolve the serious competing issues as best I could, based on careful consideration and study. I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify," Bolton said in a prepared statement posted on Twitter.

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I have posted a brief statement regarding testimony on the Ukraine impeachment matter before the Senate at: <a href="https://t.co/Q3TwI2BzBp">https://t.co/Q3TwI2BzBp</a>
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1214227975262146561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bolton was fired as NSA by President Trump last September. The White House had earlier claimed "executive privilege" to prevent Mick Mulvaney, Bolton, Michael Duffey and Robert Blair from testifying before the House.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-us-senate-in-stalemate-over-how-to-proceed-272003">Also Read: US Senate in stalemate over how to proceed</a>

"The House has concluded its Constitutional responsibility by adopting Articles of Impeachment related to the Ukraine matter," Bolton said, adding, "it now falls to the Senate to fulfill its Constitutional obligation to try impeachments, and it does not appear possible that a final judicial resolution of the still-unanswered Constitutional questions can be obtained before the Senate acts."

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer had earlier sought testimony from John Bolton in the impeachment trial. Democratic lawmaker Adam Schiff had also called Bolton to testify earlier.

However, the former US NSA had refused to testify even as his lawyer said he could provide new insights into the case.

"Bolton is an important witness to misconduct involving Ukraine that he called a 'drug deal," Schiff said. "Bolton refused to testify in the House, following Trump's orders," he said.

"Now he is willing to come forward," he said. "The Senate must allow testimony from him, Mulvaney and others. The cover-up must end," Schiff added.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is yet to allow the charges against Trump to be submitted to the Senate. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate.

Trump has dimissed the impeachment trial asserting that he has done nothing wrong calling it "partisan".

Former US national security adviser(NSA) John Bolton in a statement said that if the US Senate issues a subpoena for his testimony in President impeachment proceedings.

Former US national security adviser(NSA) John Bolton in a statement said that if the US Senate issues a subpoena for his testimony in President impeachment proceedings. In Pics: What all 'high crimes and misdemeanors' can Trump be impeached for? "I have had to resolve the serious competing issues as best I could, based on careful consideration and study. I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify," Bolton said in a prepared statement posted on Twitter. I have posted a brief statement regarding testimony on the Ukraine impeachment matter before the Senate at: https://t.co/Q3TwI2BzBp — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) January 6, 2020 × Bolton was fired as NSA by President Trump last September. The White House had earlier claimed "executive privilege" to prevent Mick Mulvaney, Bolton, Michael Duffey and Robert Blair from testifying before the House. Also Read: US Senate in stalemate over how to proceed "The House has concluded its Constitutional responsibility by adopting Articles of Impeachment related to the Ukraine matter," Bolton said, adding, "it now falls to the Senate to fulfill its Constitutional obligation to try impeachments, and it does not appear possible that a final judicial resolution of the still-unanswered Constitutional questions can be obtained before the Senate acts." Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer had earlier sought testimony from John Bolton in the impeachment trial. Democratic lawmaker Adam Schiff had also called Bolton to testify earlier. However, the former US NSA had refused to testify even as his lawyer said he could provide new insights into the case. "Bolton is an important witness to misconduct involving Ukraine that he called a 'drug deal," Schiff said. "Bolton refused to testify in the House, following Trump's orders," he said. "Now he is willing to come forward," he said. "The Senate must allow testimony from him, Mulvaney and others. The cover-up must end," Schiff added. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is yet to allow the charges against Trump to be submitted to the Senate. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Trump has dimissed the impeachment trial asserting that he has done nothing wrong calling it "partisan".

I am prepared to testify in Trump impeachment trial: John Bolton

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

Amid the ongoing impeachment row, The United States Secretary Mike Pompeo will meet Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, US state department said.

The meet comes weeks after the US President Donald Trump was impeached over abuse of power after he pushed Ukraine to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden in exchange of aid.

Apart from holding talks with Zelenskiy, Pompeo will also meet Ukraine's foreign and defence ministers to reaffirm US support for the "country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the State Department said.

So far it isn't known whether both leaders will also discuss Trump's impeachment row.

The visit is part of a trip that includes several former Soviet republics, the US State Department said.

Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 and since then Russian-backed rebels have been waging an insurgency in eastern Ukraine.

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives impeached him on December 18 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges stemming from his effort to get Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, a leading contender in the 2020 Democratic presidential race.

The House inquiry into the matter concluded that Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine in order to influence Kiev, sending the matter to the US Senate for trial. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

In Kiev, Pompeo will also discuss human rights, investment climate, and the government's reform agenda, the State Department said.

He will also visit Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus on a trip from Friday through to next Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the ongoing impeachment row, The United States Secretary Mike Pompeo will meet Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, US state department said. The meet comes weeks after the US President Donald Trump was impeached over abuse of power after he pushed Ukraine to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden in exchange of aid.

Amid the ongoing impeachment row, The United States Secretary Mike Pompeo will meet Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, US state department said. The meet comes weeks after the US President Donald Trump was impeached over abuse of power after he pushed Ukraine to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden in exchange of aid. Apart from holding talks with Zelenskiy, Pompeo will also meet Ukraine's foreign and defence ministers to reaffirm US support for the "country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the State Department said. So far it isn't known whether both leaders will also discuss Trump's impeachment row. The visit is part of a trip that includes several former Soviet republics, the US State Department said. Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 and since then Russian-backed rebels have been waging an insurgency in eastern Ukraine. The Democratic-led US House of Representatives impeached him on December 18 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges stemming from his effort to get Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, a leading contender in the 2020 Democratic presidential race. The House inquiry into the matter concluded that Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine in order to influence Kiev, sending the matter to the US Senate for trial. Trump has denied any wrongdoing. In Kiev, Pompeo will also discuss human rights, investment climate, and the government's reform agenda, the State Department said. He will also visit Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus on a trip from Friday through to next Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

US' Mike Pompeo to meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday

US&nbsp;Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden on Saturday said there would be "no legal basis" for Republicans to subpoena his testimony in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, clarifying remarks from Friday that drew criticism.

"I want to clarify something I said yesterday. In my 40 years in public life, I have always complied with a lawful order and in my eight years as VP, my office — unlike Donald Trump and Mike Pence — cooperated with legitimate congressional oversight requests," Biden said on Twitter.

"But I am just not going to pretend that there is any legal basis for Republican subpoenas for my testimony in the impeachment trial," Biden added.

The statement came one day after Biden said in an interview with the Des Moines Register that he would not comply with a Senate subpoena because it would be a tactic by Trump to distract from the president's wrongdoing.

Some legal experts and commentators had criticized Biden for his remarks to the Iowa newspaper, noting that the White House's refusal to comply with congressional subpoenas was part of the reason why Trump had been impeached.

Trump was impeached on December&nbsp;18 by the Democratic-led House of Representatives on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of Biden, a former vice president and a top contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, and Biden’s son. Trump has been charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress’ investigation.

Trump has said he did nothing wrong.

A trial is anticipated in the Republican-controlled Senate to determine whether Trump should be removed from office. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet transmitted the articles of impeachment to the upper chamber in a bid to pressure Republicans to reach an accord with the Democrats on trial rules.

Trump has raised unsubstantiated charges that Biden improperly tried to halt a Ukrainian probe of a company with ties to his son, and has said he wants Biden to testify in the impeachment trial.

Ross Garber, a Washington lawyer specializing in impeachment proceedings, said it was "incredibly unlikely" that Republican senators would back an effort to push for Biden's testimony.

US Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden on Saturday said there would be "no legal basis" for Republicans to subpoena his testimony in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, clarifying remarks from Friday that drew criticism.

US Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden on Saturday said there would be "no legal basis" for Republicans to subpoena his testimony in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, clarifying remarks from Friday that drew criticism. "I want to clarify something I said yesterday. In my 40 years in public life, I have always complied with a lawful order and in my eight years as VP, my office — unlike Donald Trump and Mike Pence — cooperated with legitimate congressional oversight requests," Biden said on Twitter. "But I am just not going to pretend that there is any legal basis for Republican subpoenas for my testimony in the impeachment trial," Biden added. The statement came one day after Biden said in an interview with the Des Moines Register that he would not comply with a Senate subpoena because it would be a tactic by Trump to distract from the president's wrongdoing. Some legal experts and commentators had criticized Biden for his remarks to the Iowa newspaper, noting that the White House's refusal to comply with congressional subpoenas was part of the reason why Trump had been impeached. Trump was impeached on December 18 by the Democratic-led House of Representatives on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of Biden, a former vice president and a top contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, and Biden’s son. Trump has been charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress’ investigation. Trump has said he did nothing wrong. A trial is anticipated in the Republican-controlled Senate to determine whether Trump should be removed from office. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet transmitted the articles of impeachment to the upper chamber in a bid to pressure Republicans to reach an accord with the Democrats on trial rules. Trump has raised unsubstantiated charges that Biden improperly tried to halt a Ukrainian probe of a company with ties to his son, and has said he wants Biden to testify in the impeachment trial. Ross Garber, a Washington lawyer specializing in impeachment proceedings, said it was "incredibly unlikely" that Republican senators would back an effort to push for Biden's testimony.

Facing blowback, Biden clarifies stance on impeachment trial testimony

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said she was "disturbed" by the Senate leader's approach to working with White House counsel on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-have-no-proof-i-want-an-immediate-trial-trump-on-impeachment-proceedings-269248">impeachment trial of President Donald Trump</a>, saying there should be distance between the two.

The comments by the Alaska lawmaker come after Mitch&nbsp;McConnell, majority leader of the Republican-led Senate, said during an&nbsp;interview earlier this month that he was working in "total coordination" with the White House on the upcoming trial.

"To me, it means that we have to take that step back from being hand-in-glove with the defence," Murkowski said in comments aired late on Tuesday during an interview. "I heard what leader&nbsp;McConnell&nbsp;had said. I happened to think that has further confused the process."

&nbsp;

Also Watch: Trump impeachment gets mixed reviews

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&nbsp;

Murkowski, who says she remains undecided in how she will vote in the upcoming impeachment proceedings, cited the need for distance between the White House and the Senate on how the trial should be conducted.

Trump was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/so-unfair-donald-trump-slams-impeachment-delay-in-senate-269522">impeached</a> last week by the Democratic-led House of Representatives on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, one of the top contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination, and Biden's son. He has been charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress' investigation.

Trump has said he did nothing wrong.

Republicans have a 53-seat majority in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-schumer-outlines-documents-he-wants-for-impeachment-trial-269912">Senate</a>, where 51 votes are needed to pass a set of rules for the Trump trial. The actual impeachment trial in the Senate would need a two-thirds majority vote for a conviction.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate, a bid to pressure Senate Republicans to reach an accord with the Democrats in the chamber on trial rules.&nbsp;McConnell&nbsp;said the Senate could not take any action until it receives the articles.

Whether or not to call witnesses has been one of the main sticking points between the Democrats and the Republicans in drafting rules for the impeachment proceedings.&nbsp;McConnell&nbsp;on Monday said that Republicans had not ruled out hearing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-have-no-proof-i-want-an-immediate-trial-trump-on-impeachment-proceedings-269248">witnesses</a> in the impeachment trial the Republican president.

However,&nbsp;McConnell&nbsp;made clear he would not accede to a Democratic request for the Senate to agree ahead of time to take testimony during the trial.

There is little chance Trump will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in the Republican-led Senate, but the impeachment proceedings could resonate at the ballot box in November.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said she was "disturbed" by the Senate leader's approach to working with White House counsel on the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, saying there should be distance between the two.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said she was "disturbed" by the Senate leader's approach to working with White House counsel on the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, saying there should be distance between the two. The comments by the Alaska lawmaker come after Mitch McConnell, majority leader of the Republican-led Senate, said during an interview earlier this month that he was working in "total coordination" with the White House on the upcoming trial. "To me, it means that we have to take that step back from being hand-in-glove with the defence," Murkowski said in comments aired late on Tuesday during an interview. "I heard what leader McConnell had said. I happened to think that has further confused the process." Also Watch: Trump impeachment gets mixed reviews × Murkowski, who says she remains undecided in how she will vote in the upcoming impeachment proceedings, cited the need for distance between the White House and the Senate on how the trial should be conducted. Trump was impeached last week by the Democratic-led House of Representatives on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, one of the top contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination, and Biden's son. He has been charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress' investigation. Trump has said he did nothing wrong. Republicans have a 53-seat majority in the Senate, where 51 votes are needed to pass a set of rules for the Trump trial. The actual impeachment trial in the Senate would need a two-thirds majority vote for a conviction. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate, a bid to pressure Senate Republicans to reach an accord with the Democrats in the chamber on trial rules. McConnell said the Senate could not take any action until it receives the articles. Whether or not to call witnesses has been one of the main sticking points between the Democrats and the Republicans in drafting rules for the impeachment proceedings. McConnell on Monday said that Republicans had not ruled out hearing witnesses in the impeachment trial the Republican president. However, McConnell made clear he would not accede to a Democratic request for the Senate to agree ahead of time to take testimony during the trial. There is little chance Trump will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in the Republican-led Senate, but the impeachment proceedings could resonate at the ballot box in November.

Republican senator 'disturbed' by McConnell's work with White House on impeachment trial

A US budget official told the Pentagon to "hold off" on military aid to Kiev 90 minutes after a controversial phone call between President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, according to an internal email.

The email was part of a series published by the investigative nonprofit Center for Public Integrity.

Trump is accused of withholding $400 million in assistance to Ukraine to push Kiev to investigate his political rival Joe Biden.

"Based on guidance I have received and in light of the Administration's plan to review assistance to Ukraine... please hold off on any additional DoD obligations of these funds," Office of Management and Budget official Michael Duffy wrote in an email to Pentagon officials.

The email is time-stamped 11:04 am -- an hour and 31 minutes after Trump's controversial July 25 phone call with Zelensky ended, according to a summary of the conversation released by the White House.

"Given the sensitive nature of the request, I appreciate your keeping that information closely held to those who need to know," Duffey added.

Republicans defended the move in a December 2 House of Representatives staff report, saying it was "not unusual" for foreign aid to be delayed, the Center for Public Integrity noted.

And Republican Senator Ron Johnson on Sunday told ABC's "This Week" that the "new emails don't shed any new light" on Trump's rationale for withholding aid to Ukraine.

"The president was concerned about whether or not America's hard-earned taxpayer dollars should be spent into a country where there's been proven cases of corruption," he said.

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer meanwhile called the emails "explosive" in a tweet Sunday, denouncing Trump's refusal to let certain White House officials testify.

"If nothing is wrong with withholding the aid, why didn't Michael Duffey want anyone to know about what he was doing?" Schumer wrote.

The email "is all the more reason why we need Duffey and others to testify in a Senate trial."

Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed Schumer's sentiment on CNN's "Face the Nation" Sunday.

"If the president is so innocent and shouldn't be impeached, why is he afraid to have these people come forward?" the presidential hopeful said.

Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress on December 18.

Despite testimony from 17 officials that Trump leveraged his office for political gain, the president has maintained his innocence throughout the impeachment inquiry -- denouncing it as an "attempted coup" and an "assault on America."

He faces a trial in the Senate, possibly in January.

A US budget official told the Pentagon to "hold off" on military aid to Kiev 90 minutes after a controversial phone call between President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, according to an internal email.

A US budget official told the Pentagon to "hold off" on military aid to Kiev 90 minutes after a controversial phone call between President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, according to an internal email. The email was part of a series published by the investigative nonprofit Center for Public Integrity. Trump is accused of withholding $400 million in assistance to Ukraine to push Kiev to investigate his political rival Joe Biden. "Based on guidance I have received and in light of the Administration's plan to review assistance to Ukraine... please hold off on any additional DoD obligations of these funds," Office of Management and Budget official Michael Duffy wrote in an email to Pentagon officials. The email is time-stamped 11:04 am -- an hour and 31 minutes after Trump's controversial July 25 phone call with Zelensky ended, according to a summary of the conversation released by the White House. "Given the sensitive nature of the request, I appreciate your keeping that information closely held to those who need to know," Duffey added. Republicans defended the move in a December 2 House of Representatives staff report, saying it was "not unusual" for foreign aid to be delayed, the Center for Public Integrity noted. And Republican Senator Ron Johnson on Sunday told ABC's "This Week" that the "new emails don't shed any new light" on Trump's rationale for withholding aid to Ukraine. "The president was concerned about whether or not America's hard-earned taxpayer dollars should be spent into a country where there's been proven cases of corruption," he said. Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer meanwhile called the emails "explosive" in a tweet Sunday, denouncing Trump's refusal to let certain White House officials testify. "If nothing is wrong with withholding the aid, why didn't Michael Duffey want anyone to know about what he was doing?" Schumer wrote. The email "is all the more reason why we need Duffey and others to testify in a Senate trial." Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed Schumer's sentiment on CNN's "Face the Nation" Sunday. "If the president is so innocent and shouldn't be impeached, why is he afraid to have these people come forward?" the presidential hopeful said. Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress on December 18. Despite testimony from 17 officials that Trump leveraged his office for political gain, the president has maintained his innocence throughout the impeachment inquiry -- denouncing it as an "attempted coup" and an "assault on America." He faces a trial in the Senate, possibly in January.

US moved to freeze Ukraine aid 90 minutes after Trump phone call: Report

The White House does not want to see a prolonged impeachment trial in the US&nbsp;Senate, a senior administration official said on Sunday, suggesting President Donald Trump is comfortable with proceeding without calling witnesses in his defense.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives approved two impeachment charges against Trump on Wednesday over his pressuring of Ukraine to investigate a political rival. There is little chance he will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in a Senate controlled by fellow Republicans.

Democrats are pressing to call top Trump aides to testify, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants the Senate to consider the case without hearing from new witnesses.

While Trump had indicated an interest in calling separate witnesses in his defense, he has also said he would go along with whatever decision McConnell and other Senate Republican leaders make.

In remarks on Sunday talk shows, Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, indicated the White House was on board with McConnell's goal of a speedy trial.

"The American people are tired of this sham," Short said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

"To the extent that there's a prolonged trial, we're not anxious about that," he said. "Our administration is anxious to get back to working for the American people ... We've had a lot of witnesses already."

Lawmakers left Washington for a holiday break on Friday at loggerheads over how to proceed.

To ramp up pressure on McConnell to permit new testimony, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - the top Democrat in Congress - has postponed sending the impeachment charges to the Senate.

Republicans have suggested Democrats want witnesses because the case they have assembled is so weak, while Democrats portray Republicans as scared about what new testimony might reveal.

"If her case is so air tight ... why does she need more witnesses?" Short said on "Fox News Sunday."

Speaking to reporters in New York, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stuck with Democrats' position that further testimony was required. "It's a sham trial and that's why we feel so strongly there ought to be witnesses and documents," he said.

Republican moderates

Trump is only the third US&nbsp;president in history to be impeached. The others were Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 as he faced the threat of impeachment.

The House charged Trump with abusing his power by holding back $391 million in security aid to Ukraine in an effort to get Kiev to announce a corruption investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the November 2020 election.

Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress by directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry. He says he did nothing wrong and has dismissed his impeachment as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win.

"The American people and the United States Senate deserve to have a full, fair and complete trial and that means witnesses, it means documents," Democratic Senator Doug Jones told ABC's "This Week."

Responding to Republican charges that the case was thin, Jones said that if it was thin, "it's thin because the president of the United States ordered his top people who were in the room who have first-hand knowledge, not to testify."

Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and Democrats are hoping a few moderate Republicans will support their bid for further testimony and force McConnell's hand.

"The leverage is our hope that four Republican senators will stand up ... and say this is much bigger than our current political squabbles," Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, told CNN's "State of the Union."

"If four Republican senators step up, it can make a big difference," he said.

The White House does not want to see a prolonged impeachment trial in the US Senate, a senior administration official said on Sunday, suggesting President Donald Trump is comfortable with proceeding without calling witnesses in his defense.

The White House does not want to see a prolonged impeachment trial in the US Senate, a senior administration official said on Sunday, suggesting President Donald Trump is comfortable with proceeding without calling witnesses in his defense. The Democratic-led House of Representatives approved two impeachment charges against Trump on Wednesday over his pressuring of Ukraine to investigate a political rival. There is little chance he will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in a Senate controlled by fellow Republicans. Democrats are pressing to call top Trump aides to testify, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants the Senate to consider the case without hearing from new witnesses. While Trump had indicated an interest in calling separate witnesses in his defense, he has also said he would go along with whatever decision McConnell and other Senate Republican leaders make. In remarks on Sunday talk shows, Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, indicated the White House was on board with McConnell's goal of a speedy trial. "The American people are tired of this sham," Short said on NBC's "Meet the Press." "To the extent that there's a prolonged trial, we're not anxious about that," he said. "Our administration is anxious to get back to working for the American people ... We've had a lot of witnesses already." Lawmakers left Washington for a holiday break on Friday at loggerheads over how to proceed. To ramp up pressure on McConnell to permit new testimony, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - the top Democrat in Congress - has postponed sending the impeachment charges to the Senate. Republicans have suggested Democrats want witnesses because the case they have assembled is so weak, while Democrats portray Republicans as scared about what new testimony might reveal. "If her case is so air tight ... why does she need more witnesses?" Short said on "Fox News Sunday." Speaking to reporters in New York, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stuck with Democrats' position that further testimony was required. "It's a sham trial and that's why we feel so strongly there ought to be witnesses and documents," he said. Republican moderates Trump is only the third US president in history to be impeached. The others were Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 as he faced the threat of impeachment. The House charged Trump with abusing his power by holding back $391 million in security aid to Ukraine in an effort to get Kiev to announce a corruption investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the November 2020 election. Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress by directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry. He says he did nothing wrong and has dismissed his impeachment as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win. "The American people and the United States Senate deserve to have a full, fair and complete trial and that means witnesses, it means documents," Democratic Senator Doug Jones told ABC's "This Week." Responding to Republican charges that the case was thin, Jones said that if it was thin, "it's thin because the president of the United States ordered his top people who were in the room who have first-hand knowledge, not to testify." Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and Democrats are hoping a few moderate Republicans will support their bid for further testimony and force McConnell's hand. "The leverage is our hope that four Republican senators will stand up ... and say this is much bigger than our current political squabbles," Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, told CNN's "State of the Union." "If four Republican senators step up, it can make a big difference," he said.

White House does not want prolonged impeachment trial: Senior official

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

As the impeachment process against U.S. President Donald Trump unfolds, voting on the second article of impeachment takes place. Watch to know more.

Voting on second article of impeachment takes place

Will Joe Biden and Hunter Biden needed to testify in the impeachment trial? Watch to know more.

Will Joe Biden and Hunter Biden needed to testify in future?

Nancy Pelosi plays a pivotal role as she tries to keep things together during the impeachment process. Watch to know more.

Nancy Pelosi's balancing act in impeachment process

President Donald Trump is likely to talk on the impeachment process in a rally in Michigan. Watch to know more.

Donald Trump to hold a rally in Michigan

The U.S. House of Representatives impeached President Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstructing Congress. #US #DonaldTrump #Trumpimpeachment

'Doesn't feel like being impeached' says US Prez Donald Trump

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

Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the Democratic-led impeachment vote against him at a rally in Battle Creek, Michigan on Thursday (December 18).

'It's shameful' - supporters back Trump at rally after impeachment vote

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