House heads toward Trump impeachment vote as GOP stalls

House Democrats have overwhelmingly approved the rules for debate as they head toward historic votes to impeach President Donald Trump.

The vote on the rules was 228-197, with just two defections from Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Democratic ranks, an early indication of how the votes will eventually fall on the articles of impeachment.

The House is spending all day Wednesday arguing about the charges Trump faces and the legitimacy of the probe that brought Congress and the nation to this point.

Trump is accused of abusing his presidential power and obstructing Congress.

Republicans say the Democrats are just trying to evict a president they couldn’t beat at the ballot box.

What to watch as Trump impeachment moves to House floor

A new chapter in American history is unfolding on the House floor.

Democrats are driving President Donald Trump to the brink of impeachment as they bring abuse and obstruction charges against him to a vote of the full House.

That could happen early Wednesday evening after debate and procedural action, making the 45th president only the third commander in chief to be impeached.

But first, watch for a daylong showdown that’s been boiling for years between Republicans loyal to Trump and Democrats who say his conduct toward Ukraine makes him unfit for office.

Trump, meanwhile, is set to hold a rally in Michigan.

Mayor on Trump’s witch trials remarks: ‘learn some history’

The mayor of Salem, Massachusetts says President Donald Trump needs to “learn some history” after he claimed those accused in the city’s infamous 17th century witch trials received more due process than he has as he faces impeachment.

Democratic Mayor Kim Driscoll responded on Twitter that the 1692 trials included “powerless, innocent victims” who were “hanged or pressed to death” on scant evidence.

The allegations against Trump, in contrast, are against a powerful world leader and come with “ample evidence.” White House spokespersons didn’t comment Wednesday.

Trump slammed Democrats in a letter Tuesday in which he referenced the witch trials, which killed 20 people.