Donald Trump news latest: Impeachment trial begins as Trump accused of 'corrupt scheme' to pressure Ukraine

Sean Morrison, Jacob Jarvis, Rebecca Speare-Cole, Luke O'Reilly

22 January 2020 at 5:09 am

The Senate in session as the impeachment trial of Donald Trump begins on Tuesday: AP

President Donald Trump has been accused of setting up a "corrupt scheme" to pressure Ukraine in the opening argument for the prosecution at his Senate impeachment trial.

Lead prosecutor Adam Schiff said Mr Trump had pushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son on unsubstantiated corruption charges to improve his re-election prospects.

It came after Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell made a surprise format concession after discussions behind closed doors, allowing the trial to take place over three days instead of two.

House Democrats impeached the president last month on two charges of abuse of power, including withholding US military aid to the Ukraine and obstruction of Congress by refusing to cooperate with their investigation. The president has long denied the accusations.

Follow our live updates below...

Wales Online
Drivers 'mind blown' after realising their car handle has 'secret' function
Many people have been left impressed after finding out about the 'little known' function they never knew existed
11 hours ago
Sky News
Warwick Davis's wife Samantha dies aged 53
Samantha Davis, the wife of Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Warwick Davis and herself an actress, has died aged 53. Samantha co-founded the dwarfism charity Little People UK and featured in the final Harry Potter film, alongside Warwick. Warwick announced the news in a statement to the BBC, revealing she had died on 24 March.
a day ago
OK! Magazine
Prince William's heartbreaking 2-word promise to Kate Middleton as she continues recovery
The Prince of Wales has made his first public appearance since his wife, the Princess of Wales, announced she was battling cancer last month, and made a sweet promise to a Royal fan
10 hours ago
Manchester Evening News
This Morning's Ben Shephard responds as Jon Bon Jovi 'walks off show' after awkward moment
The rock legend appeared live on the show with Ben and Cat Deeley to celebrate and reflect on his 40-year career with his band
2 days ago
Chronicle Live
Barclays issues warning to anyone with £14,000 in their bank account
The bank has issued a warning to its customers, with the 21 to 40 age group making up nearly half of all reported cases
2 days ago
The Telegraph
Ukraine’s frontline is collapsing – and Britain may soon be at war
While Western eyes are fixed on Tehran and Tel Aviv, Ukraine’s frontlines are showing clear signs of crumbling. There is a very real possibility they could crumble this summer if we do not throw the kitchen sink at Russia. Even if we do, it may already be too late for the weapons and munitions long promised by the West to save the day.
15 hours ago
Daily Record
Woman refused to move bag off train seat for 'demanding' man - and people think she's right
Leaving bags on train seats is usually a no-no, but people have praised one woman for her actions.
a day ago
Daily Record
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'in difficult position' over King Charles' Balmoral invite
King Charles is said to have extended an olive branch to his youngest son and his wife by 'hinting' they should visit Balmoral this summer - but it could put the couple in a 'difficult position'.
16 hours ago
Hello!
Victoria Beckham's rarely-seen sister shares incredible photo alongside Spice Girl - and they could be twins
Victoria Beckham marked her 50th birthday on Wednesday and her rarely-seen sister shared a fabulous photo of her Spice Girl sister. See photo.
21 hours ago
Birmingham Live
Prince Harry stuns fans with reaction to Meghan Markle kissing polo teammate
Meghan Markle was on hand to congratulate her husband Prince Harry and his Royal Salute Sentebale team after they won the Royal Salute Polo Cup in Wellington, Florida
2 days ago
Hello!
BBC Breakfast star Carol Kirkwood absent from show following health update
BBC Breakfast star Carol Kirkwood has been missing from the show this week. The weather presenter's absence comes after she shared an update on her health last week…
17 hours ago
Devon Live
Helen Skelton fans issue complaint minutes into her TV return
Springtime On The Farm returned to Channel 5 with Helen Skelton and Jules Hudson but fans had the same complaint for the show and the former Blue Peter presenter
15 hours ago
Teesside Live
Aldi issues urgent food recall over item with 'active police investigation'
The supermarket is urging customers to return the product for a full refund
2 days ago
Manchester Evening News
BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice supported by fans as he confirms break
The dancer confirmed the news to fans ahead of the BBC One dance contest returning later this year
18 hours ago
Chronicle Live
Vera ITV viewers lose it as star killed off in 'unbelievable' scenes in hit drama
There was a treat for Vera fans earlier this week when ITV aired the first ever episode of the much loved drama
2 days ago
Hello!
The antiquated rule Lady Louise Windsor has to follow with her brother James, Earl of Wessex
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's daughter Lady Louise Windsor has to follow a very antiquated rule with regards to her younger brother James, Earl of Wessex
16 hours ago
The Telegraph
Europe is revolting against the tyranny of electric cars
The rest of Europe, Remainers like to tell us, is forging ahead into a glorious green future while Brexit Britain is stalling, the government backsliding one by one on its net zero commitments.
12 hours ago
Daily Record
Meghan Markle fears Archie and Lilibet will grow up resenting her for being 'deprived' of one thing
Meghan Markle is said to be missing "some aspects" of life in the UK and is worried that her children may grow up to "blame her" if they are "deprived" of the chance to be working royals in the UK.
a day ago
The Independent
Woman arrested for wheeling corpse into bank to co-sign a loan
The woman appeared to be propping up the dead man’s head in a video of the incident
a day ago
Daily Record
ITV This Morning guest stunned as she learns real value of £10 charity shop bargain
This Morning guest Catherine was left stunned as she learnt the real value of her £10 charity shop bargain during the latest episode of the ITV chat show.
13 hours ago

Latest stories