US Speaker Kevin McCarthy orders impeachment probe against Joe Biden over corruption charges

"I am directing our House committee to open a formal impeachment inquiry," he said, saying the Democratic president lied to the US people about his son Hunter's foreign business dealings.

"House Republicans have uncovered serious and credible allegations about President Biden's conduct," he said. "Taken together, these allegations paint a picture of a culture of corruption."

The impeachment probe is related to the business dealings of Joe Biden's son Hunter while his father was vice president under Barack Obama has been a constant target of Republicans.

No credible evidence has emerged so far, however, that the elder Biden was involved in anything illegal.

Kevin McCarthy has been reportedly under pressure from the right wing of his party, loyal to Donald Trump, for months to open an impeachment inquiry into 80-year-old Joe Biden.

The White House immediately condemned the move, calling it "extreme politics at its worst."

"House Republicans have been investigating the President for 9 months, and they've turned up no evidence of wrongdoing," Ian Sams, White House spokesman for oversight and investigations, said on X, formerly known as Twitter.