US Democrats have opened a formal impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump over claims that he sought political help from Ukraine.
Announcing the move top Democrat Nancy Pelosi said the president “must be held accountable”.
Trump has denied impropriety and called the efforts “garbage”.
While there is strong support from Democrats on impeachment, if the inquiry moves forward it is unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled Senate.
What is this row about?
Last week reports said US intelligence officials had complained to a government watchdog about Trump’s interactions with a foreign leader, who was later revealed to be the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
That whistleblower’s complaint, deemed “urgent” and credible by the intelligence inspector general, has been demanded by Democrats but the White House and Department of Justice have refused to provide it.
What exactly was said remains unclear but Democrats accuse Trump of threatening to withhold military aid to force Ukraine to investigate corruption allegations against Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
Trump has acknowledged discussing Joe Biden with Zelensky but said he was only trying to get Europe to step up assistance by threatening to withhold military aid.
