The California congresswoman told Thursday morning's news conference: "The facts are uncontested. The president abused his power for his own political benefit at the expense of our national security, by withholding military aid and a crucial Oval Office meeting in exchange for an announcement for an investigation into his political rival." She added: "Sadly, but with confidence and humility, with allegiance to our founders and a heart full of love for America, today I am asking our chairmen to proceed with articles of impeachment."

Democrats are keen to hold a vote on impeachment in the House of Representatives before the end of the year, with the prospect of a trial in the Senate perhaps as early as January 2020. As she left a news conference later in the day, Mrs Pelosi upbraided a reporter who asked whether she hated the president. "I don't hate anybody," she said, invoking her Catholic faith after striding back to the podium. "I still pray for the president all the time. So don't mess with me when it comes to words like that!"

Mr Trump tweeted shortly before Mrs Pelosi's remarks: "If you are going to impeach me, do it now, fast, so we can have a fair trial in the Senate, and so that our country can get back to business." White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said immediately after Mrs Pelosi's remarks that Democrats "should be ashamed". She added: "We look forward to a fair trial in the Senate." Senior Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway told reporters: "We're ready for a trial." "That's when the defence goes on the offence," she said, adding that Republicans look forward to calling their own witnesses.