Donald Trump insists he did 'nothing wrong' as impeachment vote looms
The US president will be the third to be impeached should the vote go against him after hours of debate.
Thursday 19 December 2019 17:24, UK
Donald Trump has insisted he has done nothing wrong as the vote to impeach him looms.
The US president, who is facing a vote later today, tweeted: "Can you believe that I will be impeached today by the Radical Left, Do Nothing Democrats, AND I DID NOTHING WRONG! A terrible Thing. Read the Transcripts. This should never happen to another President again. Say a PRAYER!"
He later added a quote which he credited to Republican Doug Collins as he appeared on Fox and Friends, reading: "They just wanted to get at the president. They had no intention of having a proper investigation. They couldn't find any crimes so they did a vague abuse of power and abuse of Congress, which every administration from the beginning has done."
Mr Trump is on the cusp of becoming only the third president to be impeached with a vote expected after debates in Congress.
His Twitter tirade continued with more quotes from Representative Collins, who he cited as saying: "It's sad. Here's a gentleman who came to the White House and all they had was never to let him have an easy breath. All they wanted to do is impeach him.
"They started the day after he was elected, even the day after he was sworn in. But this president came to Washington and said, 'I'm going to clean up Washington, I'm going to help people.'
"He gave big tax cuts, he's made our military strong. They're mad at him because he actually did what he said he was going to do. History will record we're experiencing some of the best times we've ever had, while the Democrats are just looking out for elections. This president should just continue to fight like he's always fought, for himself & for this Country. Continue to put forth policies like prescription drugs & trade policies.
"That's what makes this president standout, and he's been amazing at it. The Democrsts [sic] have no message, they have no hope for 2020."
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On Tuesday, Mr Trump sent a furious six-page letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in which he denounced the "vicious crusade" against him.
He said: "When people look back at this affair, I want them to understand it, and learn for it, so that it can never happen to another president again."
The impeachment process follows a phone call between Mr Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, with the US leader allegedly asking his counterpart to investigate his rival Joe Biden.
At the time, Mr Zelenskiy was hoping for a White House visit and to count on $400m in military aid to help confront Russia.
Mr Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and urged people to read the transcripts of the phone calls.
Associated Press estimates indicate Mr Trump is on track to be charged by a House majority.
Mrs Pelosi wrote in a letter to colleagues: "Very sadly, the facts have made clear that the president abused his power for his own personal, political benefit and that he obstructed Congress.
"In America, no one is above the law."
The House will introduce the resolution this afternoon, followed by a debate on the terms of the debate. There will be about six hours then for the debate on the articles in the resolution.
There will be a vote on each article for impeachment. Should they pass, Chairman Nadler will appoint House members to serve as "managers" or prosecutors, for the Senate trial.
Thousands of people across America marched in support of impeachment on Tuesday evening, with rallies in towns all over the country.
People carried signs reading "criminal-in-chief" and "save the constitution - impeach".
Once the House votes, there will be a trial in the Senate on the charges.
As the Republicans hold the majority there, it's likely Mr Trump will be acquitted.