The first attempt for the impeachment of Donald Trump is under way

A California congressman has introduced articles of impeachment against Donald Trump in an ambitious effort to oust the president from office.

Rep Brad Sherman accused Trump of the obstruction of justice, claiming he used his position of authority to “hinder and cause the termination” of investigations into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election.

Sherman posted his House of Representatives resolution – which is co-sponsored by Texas congressman Al Green – on Twitter, and it accuses the president of “high crimes and misdemeanour”.

While the Democrat’s move has stirred up many people, his bid to impeach Trump is a long shot, one which Sherman acknowledges is “the first step on a very long road”.

He wrote in the statement: “But if the impulsive incompetency continues, then eventually – many, many months from now – Republicans will join the impeachment effort.”

It’s highly unlikely the article will pass, due to the number of Republicans in the House. Even fellow Democrats are hesitant to back Sherman’s efforts.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the move was “utterly and completely ridiculous” and “a political game at its worst”.

The California congressman filed the article a day after Trump’s son Donald Jr released emails proving he met with a Russian lawyer during the election campaign, who promised dirt on opponent Hillary Clinton.