Democrats wrap up: 'Give America a fair trial'

Closing out their case, House Democrats warned Friday in Donald Trump's impeachment trial that the president will persist in abusing his power and endangering American democracy unless Congress intervenes to remove him before the 2020 election.

Rep. Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, implored Senators as he concluded his arguments to "give America a fair trial."

The Democratic prosecutors ended their presentation just before 9 p.m. EST, with Schiff in the well of the Senate making one final plea to senators to ensure witnesses are called to testify.

Trump is being tried in the Senate after the House impeached him last month, accusing him of abusing his office by asking Ukraine for politically motivated probes of Biden and other matters while withholding military aid from a U.S. ally that was at war with bordering Russia.

The second article of impeachment accuses him of obstructing Congress by refusing to turn over documents or allow officials to testify in the House ensuing probe.

As Democrats finished their third day before sceptical Republican senators, Trump's legal team prepared to start his defence, expected on Saturday.