The White House. (Photo: AP)

Washington (People’s Daily) - The White House said Tuesday it will not cooperate with the House Democrats impeachment inquiry, calling it an illegitimate and partisan effort “to overturn the results of the 2016 election” of US President Donald J. Trump.

“Your unprecedented actions have left the president with no choice,” said an eight-page letter to House leaders from White House counsel Pat Cipollone. 

“In order to fulfill his duties to the American people, the Constitution, the Executive Branch, and all future occupants of the Office of the presidency, President Trump and his administration cannot participate in your partisan and unconstitutional inquiry under these circumstances,” Cipollone said in the letter. 

The letter was sent after the White House blocked an interview from key witness, Gordon D. Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union (EU), hours before he was to appear on Capitol Hill. The Democrats said the move was an “obstruction of the impeachment inquiry,” while Trump justified the move, calling the House Committee investigation a “kangaroo court.” 

Trump accused the Democrats of engaging in a witch hunt to remove him from the Oval Office. Meanwhile, Democrats said the White House is stonewalling legitimate inquiries over whether Trump sought help from a foreign nation to undermine a political opponent, then-Vice President Joe Biden. 

The New York Times said the White House’s latest move will set the stage for a constitutional clash. Observers believe it will increase tension between the legislative and executive branches amid outcries from Democrats on how the Trump administration is impeding their investigation.