The articles unveiled Tuesday, say Trump abused his power as president by telling the Ukraine government to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden while withholding a White House meeting and military aid while the second charge states that Trump obstructed congress by ordering White House staff and agencies not to testify in the just concluded impeachment hearing.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was flanked by Judiciary committee chairman Jerry Nadler and Intelligence committee chairman Adam Schiff as they announced the formal articles of impeachment which will be voted on by the house this weak, and if the votes go along party lines, Trump could be impeached by the US House of Reps as early as next week..

Nadler speaking to reporters said Trump had endangered the US constitution, jeopardised national security, undermined the integrity of the 2020 election and ‘sees himself above the law’.

The House has launched an impeachment inquiry into Trump after a whistle blower from the CIA alleged Trump asked Ukraine’s government in a July phone call to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden, in exchange for $300m military aid, alleging a quid pro quo, an allegation Trump has vehemently denied.

Pushing back against accusations from the president that the process has been stacked against him, Pelosi said Trump is welcome to appear or answer questions in writing, if he chooses.

She said “If he has information that is exculpatory, that means ex, taking away, culpable, blame, then we look forward to seeing it. Trump could come right before the committee and talk, speak all the truth that he wants if he wants”.