<span style="color: #222222;">The US Senate has rejected repeated Democratic attempts to secure new evidence in President Donald Trump's impeachment as his trial began. Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell meanwhile backed off on a plan to fast-track the hearings after coming under pressure from fellow Republicans. Democrats said this would have been no less than a cover-up. Mr Trump is charged with abuse of power and obstructing the congressional inquiry. He denies wrongdoing.<br />''</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Senators have taken oaths to act as impartial jurors, hearing arguments for six hours a day, six days a week in a trial presided over by the US Chief Justice, John Roberts. The impeachment trial began yesterday and comes nearly a week after the House of Representatives,  voted to send articles of impeachment against President Trump to the Senate.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">It is only the third time in US history that a president is facing an impeachment trial and it is unclear how long it will last. </span>