Trump’s trial begins

Senate hears impeachment articles as shock claims emerge

THE two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump have been read out in the US Senate as the historic trial against the US president began yesterday, amid explosive new claims from an associate.

“In his conduct, and in violation of his constitutional oath … Donald J. Trump has abused the powers of the presidency,” Representative Adam Schiff, one of the House managers who will lead the prosecution of the President, said as he read from the first article of impeachment.

Chief Justice John Roberts was later sworn in to preside over the trial, which will hear opening statements on Tuesday.

It comes as the federal government’s independent watchdog has declared that an office of the White House did break the law when it withheld security assistance to Ukraine.

Mr Trump was impeached last month on charges of abusing his power for pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rivals, as he was withholding aid, and for obstructing Congress’ ensuing probe. He has repeatedly dismissed the impeachment process as a “witch hunt” and “con job” orchestrated by the “do nothing Democrats”.

A close associate of President Trump’s personal lawyer says he delivered an ultimatum in May to the incoming president of Ukraine that no senior US officials would attend his inauguration and all American aid to the war-torn country would be withheld if an investigation into Joe Biden wasn’t announced.

Lev Parnas, an associate of Rudy Giuliani, made several potentially explosive claims in a televised interview Wednesday night with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow.

“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,” Mr Parnas said.