"It is tragic that the president's reckless actions make impeachment necessary. He gave us no choice," said Pelosi, launching debate in the House of Representatives on impeaching the US leader.
"What we are discussing today is the established fact that the president violated the constitution. It is a matter of fact that the president is an ongoing threat to our national security and the integrity of our elections," she said.
Trump on trial: impeachment looms
Trump is accused of attempting to force Ukraine into what would have been a damaging announcement of an unfounded probe into a main 2020 reelection rival, Joe Biden.
He is also accused of obstructing Congress by refusing to cooperate with the impeachment investigation, barring staff from testifying and holding back documentary evidence.
The Republican-led Senate is seen as sure to acquit him at a trial likely to take place in January.
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