Elijah Cummings death: Donald Trump pays tribute to Democrat at centre of impeachment probe

Elijah Cummings pictured in August (Picture: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Donald Trump has paid tribute to US congressman Elijah Cummings - a key figure in the impeachment inquiry against the president - after he died today aged 68.

Mr Cummings had recently been absent from Congress due to heart and knee problems, and his office today confirmed he died of complications from "long standing health challenges".

The influential Democrat led the powerful House Oversight and Reform Committee, one of three congressional panels leading impeachment proceedings launched last month after Mr Trump asked Ukraine to investigate potential 2020 Democratic presidential rival Joe Biden.

He also clashed with Mr Trump over multiple probes involving the president, from his personal finances to possible abuses at federal agencies.

Donald Trump pictured on Wednesday (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Mr Trump also sparked a row earlier this year when he described Mr Cummings' Baltimore district as a "disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess".

But despite their differences, Mr Trump issued condolences to Mr Cummings' family and friends.

My warmest condolences to the family and many friends of Congressman Elijah Cummings. I got to see first hand the strength, passion and wisdom of this highly respected political leader. His work and voice on so many fronts will be very hard, if not impossible, to replace!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)

October 17, 2019

"I got to see first hand the strength, passion and wisdom of this highly respected political leader," he posted on Twitter.

"His work and voice on so many fronts will be very hard, if not impossible, to replace!"

Fellow Democrats recognised Mr Cummings' service. "Today we have lost a giant," House majority whip James Clyburn said.

Fellow Maryland lawmaker, senator Ben Cardin, said: "Cummings guaranteed a voice to so many who would otherwise not have one, and stood as a symbol for the heights one could reach if they paid no mind to obstacles, naysayers and hate."

Some Republicans also issued tributes, including Cummings' oversight committee colleague Mark Meadows. "There was no stronger advocate and no better friend than Elijah Cummings," he wrote on Twitter.

Secretary of state Mike Pompeo, a congressman before becoming one of Mr Trump's most trusted advisers, called Mr Cummings a "dedicated public servant" in a Twitter post.

Mr Cummings was a trial lawyer before being elected to represent Baltimore and other parts of central Maryland, and championed civil rights issues.