Top US officials resign after Trump incited violence in Capitol

The US administration is facing a string of resignations, amid outrage over President Donald Trump’s support for  his loyalists to storm the Capitol, less than two weeks before his term constitutionally ends.

Trump's deputy national security adviser Mattew Pottinger announced his resignation Wednesday afternoon.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported Pottinger was dismayed by the attack on the Capitol and Trump’s incitement of protesters.

National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, also considered leaving, according to Bloomberg, but was persuaded to stay on by allies.

"I just spoke with Vice President Pence,” O’Brien said in a statement earlier Wednesday, adding, “I am proud to serve with him.”

Trump sits idly by amid Capitol occupation but condones teargassing BLM protesters: HRW

A senior Human Rights Watch (HRW) official has blasted US President Donald Trump for “sitting idly by” when mobsters attack the US Capitol, while condoning the use of teargas and force against peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters.

Chris Liddell, assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff is also considering a resignation.

The report said a handful of aids already stepped down, including first lady Melania Trump’s chief of staff, Stephanie Grisham.

Deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews also resigned on Wednesday.

Former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, who has recently been serving as special envoy to Northern Ireland, also sent his resignation to Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Thursday.

“I can’t do it. I can’t stay,” said Mulvaney. “Those who choose to stay, and I have talked with some of them, are choosing to stay because they’re worried the president might put someone worse in.”

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Deputy Chief of Staff Chris Lidell are also considering resigning, reports said.

The White House social secretary, Rickie Niceta, also left tje post.

The outgoing president encouraged his supporters to go to the US Capitol as it was debating the counting of Electoral College's votes on Wednesday.

"If you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore,” Trump said, rallying a violent mob the building.

The violence overwhelmed police and drove Congress from its chambers. House members and senators fled the scene as shots were fired to disperse the crowd. Police  later cleared US Capitol of the Trump supporters and enforced curfew. At least four people were killed.

Video shows moment woman killed by police in US Capitol amid riot

Four Americans are killed as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday.

The attack on the Capitol prompted calls for Trump’s immediate removal from the office as US media accused the president of attempted coup and sedition.

US media reports said Wednesday that Trump's cabinet discussed the possibility of invoking the 25th amendment to the US Constitution that would allow for a president's removal by the vice-president, if he is judged "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office."

Trump will have to leave office as Democratic President-elect Joe Biden will be inaugurated on January 20.

Experts say that the Democratic president will be facing four years of credibility crisis with millions of Americans believing Trump’s allegations of election fraud.

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