US House Speaker Launches Impeachment Inquiry Against Trump

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday announced a formal impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, a dramatic and historic move that comes as the President faces outrage over reports that he sought help from a foreign power to damage a political rival.

Top Democrat Nancy Pelosi said the president "must be held accountable".

"Today, I am announcing the House of Representatives moving forward with an official impeachment inquiry," Pelosi said in a brief speech in the Capitol, adding, "The President must be held accountable. No one is above the law." "Actions taken to date by the President have seriously violated the Constitution," the House speaker said.

The times have found us. The actions taken to date by the President have seriously violated the Constitution. It is for this reason that the House of Representatives is moving forward with an official impeachment inquiry. pic.twitter.com/cHq7zgKJ1g

— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) September 24, 2019

Mr Trump denies impropriety and called the allegations against him "ridiculous" and a "witch hunt.". However, he has acknowledged discussing political rival Joe Biden with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on the call but said he did not pressure Mr Zelensky to investigate corruption allegations against Biden. He further contended he did nothing wrong and is promising to release a transcript of the call Wednesday.

....You will see it was a very friendly and totally appropriate call. No pressure and, unlike Joe Biden and his son, NO quid pro quo! This is nothing more than a continuation of the Greatest and most Destructive Witch Hunt of all time!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2019