'The president leaves us no choice': Pelosi to proceed with articles of impeachment

The speaker said investigators have uncovered more than sufficient evidence to show that Trump abused his office.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she has asked key chairmen to draft articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, a historic step that signals the House is increasingly likely to vote to impeach Trump before the end of this year.

“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,” Pelosi said, standing in front of a row of American flags.

Pelosi didn’t provide additional details, but Democrats have said they are considering multiple articles of impeachment against Trump including abuse of power, obstruction of justice and obstruction of Congress. The House Judiciary Committee is expected to draw up articles of impeachment as soon as next week.

“His wrongdoing strikes at the very heart of our Constitution. Our democracy is what is at stake,” Pelosi said in a 10-minute nationally televised address just outside the speaker’s balcony.

“The facts are uncontested,” she added. “The president abused his power for his own personal political benefit at the expense of our national security.”

Just ahead of Pelosi’s announcement, Trump delivered a defiant tweet.

“If you are going to impeach me, do it now, fast,” Trump wrote, adding that he wants a “fair trial” in the Senate. “We will have Schiff, the Bidens, Pelosi and many more testify, and will reveal, for the first time, how corrupt our system really is.”