President Trump demands immediate Senate trial

US President Donald Trump has demanded an immediate impeachment trial in the Senate, amid an impasse among Democrats and Republicans over when it may start.

On Wednesday, the House impeached Mr Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

But Democrats have refused to start the proceedings, arguing the Republican-controlled Senate is refusing witnesses and will not hold a fair trial.

In a series of tweets, the president accused the Democrats of not wanting to go to trial because their “case is so bad”.

The Senate’s numbers mean Mr Trump is almost certain to be acquitted.

To get things rolling, the Democrat-controlled House must transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate.

But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is refusing to do so until the rules of the Senate trial are acceptable to the Democrats.

Via BBC

See also: How impeachment in the U.S. works