House of Representatives to open Joe Biden impeachment inquiry over family business dealings
The House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy has called for an impeachment inquiry to be opened into Joe Biden over his family's business dealings.
Kevin McCarthy said the House Oversight Committee's investigation so far has found a "culture of corruption" around the US president's family.
The development comes as Republicans probe the business dealings of President Biden's son, Hunter Biden, from before the Democratic president took office.
He said: "These are allegations of abuse of power, obstruction and corruption, and they warrant further investigation by the House of Representatives.
"That's why today I am directing our House committee to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden."
Mr McCarthy is planning to convene several behind-closed-doors meetings with lawmakers this week, including for a meeting to discuss the impeachment of the US president.
The hearings have yet to find any concrete evidence of misconduct and the White House has dismissed the impeachment push as politically motivated.
"Speaker McCarthy shouldn't cave to the extreme, far-right members who are threatening to shut down the government unless they get a baseless, evidence-free impeachment of President Biden," said a White House spokesman.
"The consequences for the American people are too serious."
It adds to an unideal week for the US president who appeared to be cut off while rambling at a press conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Sunday night.
Biden is interrupted by his press secretary at a press conference in Hanoi, Vietnam
"We talked about stability, we talked about the Third World, excuse me, the Southern Hemisphere has access to change.
"It wasn't confrontational at all," he was saying, before press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre interrupts.
"Thank you everybody. This ends the press conference... Thanks everyone," she said, before Biden exited the stage.
After spending two days in India for the G20 summit, the president was in Vietnam to upgrade diplomatic ties.
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...