Washington, Nov 7 (TIWN) US President Donald Trump has lashed out at Democrats during a rally in Louisiana, as impeachment testimony from a senior US diplomat was released.

Mr Trump denies there was any threat.  Public impeachment hearings will begin next Wednesday, with Mr Taylor set to be the first witness called.  Mr Taylor testified in closed door impeachment hearings last month, and a transcript of his evidence was released to the public on Wednesday.  He told a Congressional committee that two state department officials said Mr Trump would not "sign a check" for nearly $400m (£311m) in US military aid until Ukrainian officials announced an investigation into Democratic presidential contender and former Vice-President Joe Biden.  Mr Biden's son Hunter Biden previously sat on the board of the Ukrainian oil company Burisma. President Trump has claimed without evidence that Joe Biden used his position as vice-president to quash an investigation into Burisma.