Donald Trump becomes first US president to be impeached twice

Pelosi bangs the gavel, signalling the result of the historic vote to impeach the president

Credit: REUTERS

Democrats backing impeachment warned Mr Trump was a “clear and present danger” to America and said the Capitol storming was the most dangerous moment in US democracy for a century.

However it was the fierce condemnation from some Republicans who went public with their determination to impeach Mr Trump which was the biggest surprise.

Liz Cheney, the third most senior Republican in the House and the daughter of former US vice president Dick Cheney, said that Mr Trump “lit the flame of this attack”.

Ms Cheney added: “There has never been a greater betrayal by a president of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution”.

The debate took place at a US Capitol packed with National Guard members dressed in camouflage and carrying guns to maintain security.

Focus now turns to the Senate. Factoring in the November 2020 elections the Democrats hold 50 seats and the Republicans hold 50 seats.

After the inauguration the Democrats will control the body because it is the US vice president, soon to be Kamala Harris, who casts the deciding vote in ties.

That means in a trial held after the inauguration they will be able to control the process, including how long proceedings will last and whether witnesses should be called.

At least 17 Republican senators will need to support convicting Mr Trump on the single article of impeachment for that to happen, given there are 50 Democrats.

Even more Republicans may be needed if any Democrats refuse to convict. Joe Manchin, the Democratic senator from Trump-voting West Virginia, has expressed reservations.

The Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump

Reports that Mr McConnell, the most senior Republican in the Senate, privately supports impeachment have increased the possibility of multiple Republican rebels.

In a statement released just before the House vote Mr McConnell, the most powerful elected Republican after Mr Trump, pointedly did not rule out voting to convict the president.

Mr McConnell said: "While the press has been full of speculation, I have not made a final decision on how I will vote and I intend to listen to the legal arguments when they are presented to the Senate.”