A resolution to impeach Trump for his role in last week’s violence was formally introduced by Democrats during the brief pro forma session that took place in the House of Representatives this morning local time 11.40 am (UK 4.40pm).
The document accuses Trump of “incitement of insurrection,” and claims that Trump actively encouraged violence at the US Capitol.
The article points to several false claims Trump made, including that the election was “stolen” from him and that he is the rightful winner of the 2020 vote.
Republicans have blocked the House resolution calling on vice president Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove Mr Trump from office and proceedings have been adjourned until tomorrow at the earliest.
President Trump has been widely accused of inciting the rioters who stormed the heart of US democracy – the Capitol building – last Wednesday.
His presidency only has days remaining, with Joe Biden’s inauguration set to take place on 20 January, but Mr Trump could soon become the only US president to be impeached twice.
He was first impeached over claims he pressured Ukraine’s president to launch a corruption investigation into Mr Biden and his son. The Republican-led Senate went on to acquit him in February last year.
If passed by the House, the latest impeachment process would move to the Senate for a trial, with senators acting as jurors who would ultimately vote on whether to acquit or convict Mr Trump.