Abuse of Power : US Prez Donald Trump Impeached

New Delhi: Donald Trump became the third US president to be impeached yesterday, as the House of Representatives formally charged him with abuse of power in a historic step that will inflame partisan tensions across a deeply divided America.

The Democratic-led House passed the abuse of power article of impeachment on a largely party-line 230-197 vote. The House then proceeded with a vote on a second article of impeachment charging him with obstruction of Congress.

The House action sets the stage for a trial next month in the Republican-controlled Senate – friendlier terrain for Trump – on whether to convict him and remove him from office. As the House voted, Trump was addressing a rally in Battle Creek, Michigan.

No president in the 243-year history of the United States has been removed from office by impeachment. That would require a two-thirds majority in the 100-member Senate, meaning at least 20 Republicans would have to join Democrats in voting against Trump – and none have indicated they will.